Gusty Winds, Low Humidity Raise Risk Of Wildfires In Ramona

RAMONA, CA — Gusty winds and low humidity will significantly raise the threat of wildfires Tuesday in the region, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a red flag warning for most of San Diego County, including Ramona.

The red flag warning will be in effect from noon Tuesday until 8 p.m. Wednesday in the county mountains and valleys.

"A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly," weather officials said. "A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior."

Temperatures will continue cooling Tuesday throughout the region, but strong winds out of the east are expected to accompany single-digit humidity in those two areas, according to the NWS. Wind speeds out of the east are expected to be 15-20 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 30 mph through mountain passes.

High temperatures Tuesday are forecast to reach 80 degrees near the coast, 86 inland, 89 in the western valleys, 94 near the foothills, 90 in the mountains and 103 in the deserts.

"Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior," officials said. "Outdoor burning is not recommended."

Residents are also advised to bring flammable objects indoors, have an emergency kit ready to go with at least a half-tank of gas in the car and keep phones charged.

City News Service and Patch editor Kristina Houck contributed to this report.