Santa Anas to Stick Around Much of RivCo Thursday

The gusty Santa Ana winds blustering through the Coachella Valley and upping the risk of wildfires in Riverside County’s mountains and valleys are expected to weaken Thursday afternoon, but the dry conditions could stick around a little longer.

• FIRE WEATHER ALERT: Strong Winds Expected to Last Through Thursday in Lake Elsinore, Wildomar

A National Weather Service red flag warning for the mountains and valleys is set expire at 5 p.m. A wind advisory for the same areas will remain in effect until 2 p.m.

The Coachella Valley was not included under the red flag warning, but a wind advisory will remain in effect for the area until 2 p.m. During the advisory period, northeast winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour and gusts of up to 45 mph are expected.

In the mountains and valleys of Riverside County, higher temperatures, single-digit humidities and strong winds could lead to critical fire weather conditions. Forecasters said any fires that broke out would likely spread quickly.

“Although winds decrease during the day, relative humidity will remain very low through the afternoon,” according to the NWS.

The sudden gusts could also cause hazardous driving conditions, especially along Interstate 10 corridor, the NWS said. Drivers were urged to use extra caution.

Milder weather is expected to return Friday as a cooling trend begins.

— City News Service.

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