Red Flag Warning Amid Smoky Air In Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Santa Ana winds and low humidity are forecast Wednesday, significantly raising the threat of wildfires in most parts of Riverside County, according to the National Weather Service.

The agency issued a red flag warning for the Riverside metropolitan area, Southwest Riverside County, the Riverside County mountains and the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning that will last until 8 p.m. Wednesday.

The Coachella Valley was not included in the warning.

Temperatures will warm up as winds out of the northeast sweep through the mountains and into parts of the valleys Wednesday, forecasters said. Humidity levels are also expected drop to 10-15 percent during the day.

Sustained winds are expected to reach 15-25 mph, with gusts potentially topping out at 35 mph through mountain passes, forecasters said. The winds are expected to peak Wednesday morning or early Wednesday afternoon, then slowly subside through the evening.

These conditions mean outdoor burning is not recommended and any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly, according to the NWS. Residents are also advised to bring flammable objects indoors, have an emergency kit ready to go with at least a half-tank of gas in the car and keep phones charged.

High temperatures Wednesday could reach 95 degrees in the Coachella Valley, 96 in the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning, 93 in Riverside, 91 in Lake Elsinore, 92 in Temecula, 92 in Hemet and 76 in Idyllwild.

The Red Flag warning comes as Riverside County is already experiencing smoke from nearby wildfires, including the large El Dorado Fire burning in Yucaipa and the Valley Fire burning in East County San Diego.

The wildfires have local health officials urging residents to take precautions amid the unhealthy air quality levels.

“Residents in the San Gorgonio Pass and western Riverside County need to be aware of the risks of breathing unhealthy air and take steps to keep safe,” said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, Riverside County public health officer.

Kaiser recommends that those who live in areas impacted by smoke and ash should avoid strenuous activity, remain indoors with the air-conditioning on and windows and doors closed. Also, keep the indoor air fresh with a clean filtering system to prevent from bringing smoke inside, he said.

Wildfire smoke can cause a range of health issues, which include burning eyes, runny nose, shortness of breath, scratchy throat, headaches and chest pains. Smoke can also worsen chronic heart and lung disease, according to Kaiser.