RIVERSIDE (CNS) - Strong Santa Ana winds and low humidity will significantly raise the threat of wildfires Wednesday in Riverside County, according to the National Weather Service.
The NWS issued a red flag warning that will remain in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday in the county mountains, valleys and the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning. The Coachella Valley was not included in the warning.
Winds out of the east and northeast are expected to blow at between 25-35 mph, with gusts reaching 55 mph in the valleys and 80 mph below the Cajon and San Gorgonio passes, forecasters said. Relative humidity will drop as low as 5% by this afternoon, with poor overnight recovery expected through Friday.
The strongest winds are expected from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, then wind speeds will decrease tonight
