Fire Weather, Santa Anas Return To Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY, CA - Severe fire weather returns to Orange County Sunday through Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Strong and dry offshore winds were predicted to blast through the Trabuco Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest in Orange County, as well as the Orange County Coastal and inland areas, they said in a weather alert, released Friday.

"A fire weather watch is in effect from late Saturday night until Tuesday evening," the National Weather Service spokesperson reported. Strong, gusty winds and low humidity was expected for most of the county.

Winds were expected to come from the northeast at a sustained 25 to 35 miles per hour, with gusts up to 50 miles per hour, according to the NWS.

"A fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast, along with possible Red Flag Warnings," they said.

Photo: Autumn Johnson, Patch Staff