Fire Danger Reaches Near Critical Levels In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — Though San Diego County had another chilly morning Sunday, heavy wind gusts and low humidity levels are combining to create an elevated fire threat across the region.

Northeast winds continued to blow to about 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph along the foothills of the San Diego County mountains, forecasters said. Relative humidity was down to 10-15%, so there is near critical fire weather, continuing through Tuesday before winds increase with the next arriving Santa Anas, which are expected to peak Thursday.

In areas where the wind wasn't blowing Sunday morning, the temperature was markedly chilly with some valley areas dropping into the 30s, the National Weather Service said.

High temperatures in coastal areas Sunday were forecast to be 68-73 degrees, with overnight lows of 34-44. Western valley highs will be 74-79 with overnight lows of 33-41. Foothill highs will be 70-75.

Mountain highs are expected to be 59-67 Sunday with overnight lows of 27-37. Desert highs are forecast to be 71-76 with overnight lows of 34-44.

Weak offshore flow and low humidity will continue through early next week, the NWS said. The chilly nights will lead to patchy frost and freezing conditions in the wind-sheltered valleys, while days trend a little warmer.

"It is already starting out dry preceding this next event which is not good," forecasters said. "Relative humidity will plummet further and by Thursday, single-digit and teen relative humidity could drive all the way to the coast."

City News Service