High Risk of Wildfire Continues for IE

A red flag warning was in effect for the Inland Empire and mountains of Riverside County for the third consecutive day Wednesday, signaling a heightened risk of wildfire in the region.

The National Weather Service set the warning to expire at 6 p.m., saying until then, strong winds combined with low humidity could create fire weather conditions.

The warning, first issued early Monday, did not extent to the Coachella Valley.

Today's forecast for the Inland Empire and mountains areas called for sustained northeast winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour and gusts up to 60 mph. Also, the low daytime humidity will be around 5 percent, according to the NWS.

The agency also issued a high wind warning for the Inland Empire and mountains until noon today, and a wind advisory for the Inland Empire from noon to 6 p.m.

A high wind warning is issued when hazardous winds capable of causing property damage are occurring or expected. The wind advisory signals a chance of winds strong enough to make driving difficult, especially for motorists with high profile vehicles.

"Watch for broken tree limbs and debris on roadways," an NWS advisory said.

Warm, dry conditions were expected to persist in the region Thursday and Friday, but winds will weaken, reducing the risk of wildfire, according to the weather service.

—City News Service