High Winds, Dry Weather Present Fire Danger

The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook statement for the region that includes a high wind watch, high fire danger and frost advisories across the greater Inland Empire.

Loma Linda will remain well protected from most of the winds, according to the agency's website, with a high of about 63 degrees, and gusts of only about 5 mph Sunday. Winds are forecast to pick up on Monday.

But the high winds expected in other locations prompted the agency to declare the fire weather watch, which will be in effect from late Sunday through Monday night for strong gusty winds and low humidity.

A fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast, The winds, combined with low daytime humidity of between 10 and 15 percent, and an absence of nighttime fog or humidity, could create fire weather concerns, the NWS said.

The NWS predicts northeast winds of 20-30 mph with gusts potentially as high as 60 mph through and below the passes and canyons and near the coastal foothills. The strongest winds are expected into Sunday morning, with another round of strong gusty northeast winds possible late Sunday night through Monday.

The winds are forecast to peak Monday night before quickly weakening on Tuesday.

By noon Saturday, wind gusts of 34 mph were recorded along Interstate 10 near Palm Springs and 33 mph at Lake Mathews, according to automated weather stations. Peak gusts of 34 mph were measured in the Santa Rosa Plateau.

The NWS said that strong winds could make driving difficult, especially high profile vehicles. It advises drivers to watch for broken tree limbs and downed power lines in the road and to use extra caution.