Santa Ana winds have returned to San Diego County to raise temperatures in time for the weekend.
Santa Ana winds rolled back into San Diego County Wednesday morning, bringing with it warm, dry air and possible fire danger. The strongest gusts were expected Thursday but windy and warm conditions would last through the weekend, NBC 7 Meteorologist Sheena Parveen said.
Strong winds will mostly be affecting North San Diego County, the NWS said. Some gusts could reach up to 60 mph, according to the NWS. No wind advisories or warnings were in effect for the county.
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Santa Ana winds were elevating the threat of wildfires. Although no fire watches or red flag warnings were in effect, any fire that sparks has the potential to grow and spread quickly amid the gusty easterly winds, low humidity and high temperatures.
The highest potential for fire danger comes Thursday, when humidity will drop into the single digits and hot temperatures pose a risk for critical fire weather, the NWS said.
The NWS said winds will be strongest near San Clemente Island and a Small Craft Advisory has been issued for the outer coastal water regions.
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Warm and windy conditions will continue into the weekend after a brief lull on Friday. San Diegans can expect fair skies, above-average temperatures and dry air. Sunday will be the warmest day of the weekend, especially for areas west of the mountains but nighttime temperatures will cool drastically.
Parveen is tracking what is likely to be California's 1st storm of the winter season, which, at the time, appears to be taking aim for San Diego County by mid-week next week.
