NWS abruptly changes forecast, issues red flag fire warning for much of San Diego County – San Diego Union-Tribune

On By Littum

The National Weather Service has abruptly changed its forecast and issued a red flag wildfire warning for much of San Diego County a day after saying the region would receive relatively light Santa Ana winds.

The warning will be valid from 15.00 Wednesday to 7 p.m. Thursday in an area that stretches from the county’s interior valleys and foothills to Interstate 15.

Winds will gust from 30 mph to 45 mph in many areas, especially in El Cajon, Alpine, Campo, Ramona, Escondido, Julian, Palomar Mountain and Mount Laguna.

Relative humidity will drop to 15 percent in some areas.

“Any fire that does occur is likely to spread quickly,” the weather service said in a statement. “Outdoor burning is not recommended.”

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