Gusty Winds Continue, Fire Danger High as Weather Remains Dry Across Southern California

Good late Wednesday morning! As we take a look at the skies today, there's a small scattering of clouds, but we expect them to clear up as the day goes on. Winds remain a major factor, continuing their strong hold across the region. Yesterday, we saw some of the strongest winds in Fremont Canyon, near Santa Ana, where gusts reached a staggering 94 mph. Other areas, such as Banning and Cabazon, recorded gusts of 71 mph and 55 mph respectively. These gusty winds are still with us this morning, with Whitewater reporting a 39 mph gust, and Cabazon seeing nearly 50 mph gusts. While some parts of the Coachella Valley have seen winds under 20 mph, stronger gusts are expected to persist through Thursday, especially in the high desert and foothill areas.

Yesterday's high in the valley was 71°F, which is close to the seasonal average, but we will see a slight warming trend later today and into tomorrow. As of now, temperatures range from a chilly 32°F in Big Bear to 66°F in Indio, with many parts of the Coachella Valley seeing mid-60s. Radar shows no significant precipitation at this time, and Southern California remains dry after a system passed through earlier.

The weather pattern is influenced by a low-pressure system moving out of the area, with a tight pressure gradient between it and a high-pressure system causing gusty winds. While there’s no rain on the horizon for the next week, we will see a brief period of slightly warmer temperatures, with highs reaching mid-to-upper 70s tomorrow. However, the gusty winds will still be a concern in areas prone to them, including the foothills of the Little San Bernardino Mountains.

Because of the dry conditions and strong winds, fire danger is elevated. A red flag warning remains in effect through tomorrow, which includes the Inland Empire and San Gorgonio Pass. The dry air is also causing low humidity levels, with single-digit relative humidity today, tomorrow, and even Friday. This combination of wind and dry air is a significant concern, with the potential for rapidly spreading wildfires.

Along with the wind advisories, an air quality alert has been issued for parts of eastern Riverside County and Imperial County, as wind-blown dust is lowering air quality. The winds should start to back off by Thursday, but until then, be cautious of outdoor activities and take care to protect yourself from potential fire hazards.

As we look to the upcoming days, expect highs around 70°F today, with lows in the 40s overnight. Tomorrow, temperatures will rise into the mid-70s, with plenty of sunshine, but winds will still be gusty in wind-prone areas. By Friday, we’ll see clearer skies and temperatures around 70°F, with no rain in sight. The weekend will bring more sunshine and slightly warmer temperatures, with highs in the mid-70s.

For now, prepare for more wind and dry conditions over the next few days, and stay alert for updates regarding fire risks and air quality.