Gusts Over 60 MPH Possible During High Wind Warning Saturday

The combination of warm weather, gusty winds and low humidity will create critical fire weather conditions Sunday and Monday.

A windy Saturday is in store for parts of Southern California, with high temperatures and extreme fire danger not far behind, according to the National Weather Service.

Winds of up to 50 mph are expected in the Antelope Valley as well as the LA and Ventura county mountains through early Saturday afternoon. At 3 p.m., the winds are expected to pick up in the High Desert and a high wind warning will go into effect – with gusts over 60 mph expected and the possibility of downed power lines and branches through the evening and overnight.

Drivers are expected to use caution when traveling in these areas Saturday, especially along Interstate 5, where gusty winds are expected to be the strongest and will make travel difficult. Drivers should also use caution along Highway 14 and Highway 138, as the possibility of blowing sand and dust will bring near zero visibility at times, according to NWS.

Residents in these areas are encouraged to secure any loose outdoor furniture. The high wind warning is set to expire at 3 a.m. Sunday.

The winds will continue Sunday through the Southland, as Santa Ana winds are expected to return, prompting a fire weather watch that goes into effect Sunday morning.

The combination of warm weather, gusty winds and low humidity will create critical fire weather conditions in the Orange County coastal areas, Inland Empire, the San Bernardino and Riverside county mountains, and the Ventura County and Los Angeles County valleys and mountains.

Gusts of up to 50 mph are expected Sunday in some mountain areas, according to NWS. Winds in the valleys are expected to be 15 to 25 mph lower.

The fire weather watch will expire Monday evening, but the Santa Ana winds could last through the week.

Temperatures will continue to climb through Thursday, with highs in the triple digits inland and the valleys.

"They’re warm days on Wednesday and Thursday, we just have to be really conscious of the fire danger here in the midst of this drought," NBC4 weather forecaster Fritz Coleman said.
 

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