San Diego On Alert For Strong Santa Ana Winds And Fire Danger This Weekend
By Rebekah Gonzalez
January 21, 2022
San Diego residents are being told to use extra caution this weekend as Santa Ana winds blow through the county, which will bring elevated fire danger, reports FOX5.
On Friday, January 21, the National Weather Service (NWS) wind advisory went into effect for the area is expected to remain in place until 6:00 P.M. Saturday, January 22. However, the agency did mention the advisory could be modified before then.
The NWS also shared a map showing which areas will see the most powerful gusts of wind.
San Diego County won't get the worst of it but experts said local communities should still be on alert this weekend.
The winds will particularly impact the El Cajon, Bonsall, Bostonia, and Casa De Oro communities. Alpine, Escondido, and Ramona will be windy as well, according to FOX5.
Cooler today then yesterday, especially at the coast and in the western valleys. Strong, potentially damaging Santa Ana winds will increase later today, peaking overnight into Saturday morning. Watch out for strong cross winds and make sure to secure loose objects.#CAwx pic.twitter.com/fBa4U8RTZc
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) January 21, 2022
The NWS said the strongest winds are expected Saturday and will give way to less powerful gusts by Sunday.
Conditions in Southern California are dry enough to raise the risk of wildfires, according to experts.
“The rains from the previous months have been able to hamper down the extreme fire danger somewhat which is good news,” a spokesperson wrote on Twitter. “There is still the threat for elevated fire weather risk due to the very high winds and somewhat lower relative humidity values. Stay safe!"