Red Flag Warning In OC, Rancho Santa Margarita Due To Gusty Winds

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — Another round of gusty Santa Ana winds is expected to hit the Southland late Friday evening and into Saturday, again raising concerns about heightened wildfire conditions.

A red flag warning will be in effect from 1 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday along the Malibu Coast and in Orange County coastal and inland areas and the Santa Ana Mountains.

"Another moderate to locally strong Santa Ana wind event is expected for tonight (Friday) through early Sunday," according to the NWS. "Winds will quickly ramp up this evening into the overnight hours and peak through early Saturday afternoon."

In Rancho Santa Margarita, residents can expect Friday temperatures in the mid '60s with daytime winds ranging from 20 to 30 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.

On Saturday, temperatures are likely to remain in the mid '70s. Northeast winds are expected to reach 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph, and slowing down to 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph in the afternoon.

Forecasters said mountain areas will see winds of 25 to 40 mph, with gusts reaching 40 to 60 mph in some areas, along with localized gusts up to 70 mph in windy peaks and canyons. The strongest winds are anticipated Saturday morning and afternoon.

Valley areas could get winds gusting up to 50 mph, with some localized gusts reaching 60 mph in the foothills.

"Humidity levels will initially start out above critical levels at the onset of stronger winds this evening, but will lower by early Saturday morning in the 12 to 20 percent range," according to the NWS.

A red flag warning, which is the highest alert, is issued for weather events which may result in extreme fire danger within 24 hours. A fire weather watch is issued when such weather conditions could exist in the next 12-72 hours.

City News Service contributed to this article.