A Santa Ana wind event and warm temperatures will bring dry and gusty conditions to San Diego County, and prompted a red flag warning for Wednesday.
Temperatures will jump nearly 10 degrees at the coast and continue to climb into Thursday. Tuesday’s high was forecasted to be 67 degrees but by Thursday, temps at the beaches will soar to 81. Inland communities will see temperatures in the upper 80s.
Wind will play a factor in elevating our fire danger.
A red flag warning means critical fire weather conditions are either happening now or will shortly. Any fires that develop may spread quickly, according to the National Weather Service.
On Wednesday evening and Thursday, northeasterly winds of 20-30 mph are possible, with gusts to 45 mph in wind-favored passes and canyons. Isolated gusts of 60 mph are possible.
Drivers on Interstate 8, through the East County, should use extra caution, particularly Thursday morning. Gusty conditions and blowing dust and debris will make driving difficult.
High pressure over the southwest will begin to weaken Friday, with wind speeds dying down. This weekend, the return of an onshore flow and slight marine layer will also lower temperatures back into the 70’s.
