Cooler conditions are expected for the San Diego region going into this week, but gusty weather and low humidity remain an issue.
Dry conditions and moderate to strong Santa Ana winds are expected to pick up in the mountain and valley areas until at least mid-week, forecasters said.
A red flag warning for dangerous fire conditions will be in effect through at least 4 a.m. Wednesday due to the strong Santa Ana winds and low humidity.
Areas expected to be most affected are the inland valleys and mountains, according to the National Weather Service.
“Gusts 50 to 65 mph expected through favored passes and on mountain foothills, a few isolated gusts to 70 mph are possible Tuesday during the peak of the event in typically wind prone locations,” the NWS said in an update, adding that the strongest winds and lowest humidity are expected Tuesday through Wednesday.
“Please use this time to prepare for fire weather hazards and windy conditions across the mountains and western valleys.”
A red flag warning is in effect from Monday morning through Tuesday night. Moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds will bring very dry air west of the mountains resulting in elevated to critical fire weather conditions. NE-E Santa Ana winds will be strongest Tuesday. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/JXyXKMV4ZO
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) December 7, 2024
The inland valley areas could see winds at 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph Tuesday, with a mix of sunny and cloudy conditions and highs reaching the upper 70s. Mountain areas could also expect to see strong winds early in the week, with highs ranging in the low to upper 60s.
Coastal San Diego is expected to see patchy fog in the mornings through the week, with mostly partly cloudy conditions and highs in the mid-60s.
Forecasters said marine conditions would include another round of low clouds and fog Sunday night into Monday, but should be less dense over the waters with better visibility and higher cloud bases.
“Increasing offshore winds on Tuesday with gusts up to 20-25kts, primarily for the northern San Diego County coast,” the NWS said.
Monday’s San Diego surf forecast includes a high-risk rip current, with surf height from 3 to 5 feet and mixed swell from 280 degrees and 220 degrees.
City News Service contributed to this report.
