Red-Flag Warning In Effect Through Tuesday Night

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Gusty Santa Ana winds and low humidity will significantly raise the risk of wildfires throughout Riverside County again Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather agency issued a red-flag warning that's in effect through 10 p.m. Tuesday in western Riverside County, including Southwest Riverside County, as well as the Riverside County mountains and the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning.

Moderate to strong Santa Ana winds are expected Tuesday, with dry conditions across the region and high temperatures several degrees above normal. A high-wind warning is also in effect through 12 p.m. Tuesday, according to the NWS. Gusts are expected to reach 45 to 50 mph.

The red-flag warning means that outdoor burning should be avoided because any fires that develop will spread rapidly, according to the NWS. Much of Riverside County is also under a no burn order prohibiting indoor and outdoor wood burning through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday due to a forecast of high air pollution in the area.

Gusty conditions may knock down trees or power lines, and travel will be difficult for high-profile vehicles in wind-prone areas, forecasters said.

High temperatures Tuesday are expected to be in the 70s in the valleys and metro area, the upper 70s in the Coachella Valley and the upper 50s to lower 60s in the mountains.

A cooling trend is expected Wednesday with all areas back to normal temperatures by the end of the week, the NWS said.