A fire danger sign with the iconic Smokey Bear. Image courtesy Centers for Disease Control
A fire danger sign with the iconic Smokey Bear. Image courtesy Centers for Disease Control

Strong Santa Ana winds in the inland valleys and mountains will make driving difficult and increase the risk of wildfire in San Diego County.

The National Weather Service issued red flag and high wind warnings Monday for the valley and mountain areas of the county.

A red flag warning denotes a combination of weather conditions that could contribute to extreme fire behavior, including strong winds and very low humidity. A high wind warning is issued whenever there are winds strong enough to cause property damage.

The weather service scheduled the red flag warning for valley and mountain areas from 4 a.m. Monday to 6 p.m. Wednesday, saying humidity levels will fall into the single digits each day, with poor overnight recovery expected through Thanksgiving. The high wind warning was scheduled from 4 p.m. Monday to noon Wednesday.

Sustained winds Monday were expected to be out of the northeast and blow at 25 to 35 miles per hour, with gusts of up to 60 mph. Motorists were warned to watch for broken tree limbs and other debris on the roadways.

— City News Service

Chris Jennewein is founder and senior editor of Times of San Diego.