55 MPH Gusts Forecast As Santa Ana Winds Return To Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Santa Ana winds are forecast across Riverside County and the greater Inland Empire this week, bringing strong gusts that could reach 55 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

The federal agency issued a wind advisory for the region effective 4 a.m. Wednesday through 12 p.m. Thursday. The Coachella Valley and desert reaches are not under the advisory, though the rest of Riverside County is.

The forecast includes an air quality alert due to harmful particle pollution levels from windblown dust, according to the NWS.

"At its peak Wednesday afternoon, the offshore flow will produce easterly winds gusting to 45 mph and locally to 55 mph in the mountain passes and coastal foothills," the NWS reported.

The air quality alert is in effect through 11 p.m. Wednesday. The NWS warned residents that "particle pollution can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as asthma attacks, heart and lung disease symptoms, and increased risk of lung infections. Everyone can be affected, but sensitive groups such as people with lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk."

After Thursday, calmer weather will prevail, though meteorologists are still sorting out the potential impacts of another trough behind a cold front forecast to descend out of the Pacific Northwest early next week.

For Wednesday, daytime temperatures in Riverside metro will be unseasonably warm, topping out in the mid to upper 80s, with overnight lows in the low 50s. On Thursday, the mercury will settle a little lower, peaking around 80 and falling into the upper 40s. From Friday to Sunday, highs will generally top out in the mid-70s, dropping into the upper 40s at night.

In the Coachella Valley, temps will reach around 90 on Wednesday, with lows in the mid-50s. On Thursday, the highs will stall in the low 80s and fall to around 55 overnight. From Friday to Sunday, temps will vary little from that pattern.

The temperature band in the Temecula Valley will track closely with the Riverside area for the remainder of the week, though nighttime temps may be closer to 40 degrees by Friday night, according to forecasters.