Wind and Wildfire Weather Warnings for Ramona and the County This Weekend

Forecasts calling for stiff winds and extra-low humidity across the San Diego area this weekend prompted the National Weather Service Friday to issue a "red flag" wildfire warning, effective from noon Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday.

During the period, "critical" brush-fire risks will prevail due to sustained winds of 15-30 mph around the region, with gusts up to 65 mph in some locales, and daytime air-moisture levels dipping to about 10 percent, according to the federal agency.

"Surface high pressure will build into the Great Basin Friday and Saturday, bringing moderate to locally strong northeast to east winds to Southern California," according to the National Weather Service.

Ramona is forecast to receive gusts up to 45 m.p.h. on Saturday and Sunday.

"The northeast winds will initially begin across San Bernardino County and Orange County early Saturday morning before spreading south and turning more easterly during the day. These winds will continue into Sunday."

The agency scheduled a fire weather watch for the valleys and mountains from Saturday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. A fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast or occurring.

The agency also scheduled a less-serious wind advisory for the valleys and mountains starting at 10 tonight and ended at 1 p.m. Sunday. The NWS issues a wind advisory when winds of 35 mph are expected.

From late tonight through Sunday afternoon, sustained northeast to east winds up to 30 miles per hour and gusts up to 60 mph are expected in areas of the county, especially through and below favored passes and canyons.

"The winds will make driving difficult, especially for motorists with high profile vehicles," an NWS advisory said. "Watch for downed trees and power lines."

The lowest daytime humidity will be around 10 percent Saturday, with poor overnight recovery headed into Sunday, according to the weather service.

-City News Service