Fire Weather in Forecast for Remote Parts of County, with Santa Ana Winds Likely

Forecasters are warning of a fire weather watch in parts of San Diego County beginning Monday morning.

The National Weather Service alert, through Tuesday night, affects county inland valleys and mountains, including the Palomar and Descanso Ranger Districts of the Cleveland National Forest.

The warning extends to other inland areas, including Riverside and San Bernardino counties – in the San Bernardino National Forest and the Santa Ana Mountains.

The forecast calls for northeast and east winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts in the valleys of 25 to 40 mph and locally up to 60 mph in mountains and passes. The highest winds are expected in the San Gorgonio Pass and San Diego County mountains and foothills.

Humidity, meanwhile, will be very low, in the 5 to 10% range.

The NWS warned that any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly so outdoor burning is not recommended. Motorists also could face difficult driving conditions.