Strong Winds, Low Humidity Raise Risk Of Wildfires In Ramona

RAMONA, CA — Santa Ana winds will sweep through parts of San Diego County Monday as temperatures heat up amid low humidity, significantly raising the risk of wildfires throughout the region and prompting the National Weather Service to extend a red flag warning.

The red flag warning was extended Monday until 5 p.m. Tuesday for the county mountains and valleys, including Ramona.

"A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior," forecasters said.

Sustained winds Monday out of the east and northeast are expected to be between 15-25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, according to the NWS. Daytime humidity is expected to drop to 10-15 percent throughout the region.

Wind speeds are expected to weaken Monday afternoon and evening, but increase again Tuesday morning, according to the NWS. Low humidity and dry fuels will elevate the risk of wildfires through at least Thursday.

The red flag warning means that any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly, the NWS said. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

The NWS also issued a heat advisory that will be in effect from 10 a.m. Tuesday through 8 p.m. Thursday in the county coastal areas and valleys.

Also see: Heat Advisory Issued For Ramona

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