A wind advisory warning of up to 50 mph gusts is in effect for inland communities through Thursday as the coast and inland valleys face increased temperatures.
An area of high pressure up to our northeast is driving offshore winds in San Diego County, prompting the spike in temperatures through the work-week, according to NBC 7 meteorologist Sheena Parveen.
The strongest wind gust in San Diego County as of about 2 p.m., at a speed of 55 miles per hour, was recorded in Buckman Springs just before 9 a.m.
The increased Santa Ana winds were affecting the cities of Escondido, El Cajon, San Marcos, La Mesa, Santee, Poway, Julian, and Pine Valley. Drivers on far East County San Diego roadways were also feeling the effects of powerful gusts Tuesday afternoon.
Delivery driver Fransico Sanchez said he is using caution by "driving slowly, very slowly because if not -- I don't want any accidents."
Sanchez is doing exactly what the National Weather Service urges drivers to do in strong winds -- use extra caution. Powerful winds have the potential to blow around unsecured objects, knock down tree limbs and down power lines.
The weather didn't stop several power line crew members from getting their work done. The team was exchanging power line poles to steel rods, all in an effort to reduce fire risks.
Local
The Santa Ana winds were elevating the chance for any wildfire that sparks to spread rapidly, but recent rain will help to lower the risk.
Cal Fire San Diego is tracking weather conditions and is prepared for the wildfire threat.
Peak winds will strike the impacted areas overnight and into Wednesday morning.
Those offshore winds will be near 20 to 30 mile-per-hour range and reach up to 50 mph isolated wind gusts near the foothills and mountain passes.
The wind advisory is in effect for inland valleys, foothills and mountains through Thursday at noon, Parveen said.
The rest of the week will be unseasonably warm through Friday.
