The Santa Ana winds have decreased significantly Thursday morning, but that does not mean we are done with them yet. A secondary round of winds will pick up Thursday afternoon through Friday morning, primarily affecting the mountains and foothills. Gusts could exceed 50mph. However, the western valleys and coast should not feel the effects of the Santa Ana nearly as much on Thursday.
Here's a breakdown of the timing of the winds on Thursday and Friday:
Timing:
- This morning: Winds will strengthen around 9 a.m. this morning over our mountain communities. Wind gusts could be close to 40-50mph for most of our wind-prone areas (Pine Valley, Julian)
- Afternoon: Winds across our valleys and mountains will gradually increase
- Tonight-Friday morning: Strongest winds are expected with wind gusts from 70-80 mph.
- Friday morning-afternoon: isolated gusts continue, particularly over higher elevations.
- Friday night: Calm wind conditions expected
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In addition to winds picking back up in some areas, the air is incredibly dry right everywhere right now, thanks to multiple days of desert air sucking up any moisture. Thursday and Friday will be even drier with relative humidity below 10% each afternoon.
Because of the fluctuating wind and dry air, fire danger remains elevated through Friday.
A HIGH WIND WARNING has been extended for the mountains and valleys through Friday afternoon. And the RED FLAG WARNING has also been extended through Friday evening for those same parts of the county.
Weather
By the weekend, conditions will have improved, however we are expecting to stay dry into next week and likely beyond. There is still no rain in sight.
THURSDAY:
- Coast: less windy, cooler - mid to upper 60s
- Valleys: Red Flag Warning, wind warning, dry - mid-70s
- Mountains: Red Flag Warning, wind warning, dry - mid-50s
- Desert: Breezy, dry - low to mid-70s
