Fire Watch Issued For Pass Area: Strong Santa Ana Winds, Low Humidity

UPDATE, DEC. 7, 2023:

SAN GORGONIO PASS AREA, CA — Extremely dry conditions forecast across the Pass Area prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Fire Weather Watch for the weekend ahead.

The NWS watch is in effect from 10 a.m. Dec. 9 to 12 p.m. Dec. 10 across all of western Riverside County, including the Pass Area.

The ongoing Santa Ana wind conditions will cause humidity levels to fall to about 20% Friday, 10-15% Saturday morning, and as low as 7-10% Sunday, according to the NWS.

"Fire weather conditions will approach or exceed critical levels Saturday afternoon, mainly in the Inland Empire with widespread elevated conditions elsewhere," according to the National Weather Service.

Daytime highs in the Pass Area will be in the high 50s to low 60s through Saturday, warming to the mid-60s by Sunday.

ORIGINAL POST, DEC. 6, 2023:

BANNING, CA — Santa Ana winds are forecast to lash the San Gorgonio Pass Area Thursday and Friday, with gusts up to 60 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

The agency issued a wind advisory in effect from 10 a.m. Dec. 7 to 4 a.m. Dec. 8.

"Winds will increase through Thursday, leading to a windy day across the mountains and deserts," the NWS reported. "Highest winds can be expected Thursday evening and overnight."

The strong winds could make for difficult driving conditions due to blowing dust and sand, the agency warned.

Daytime high temperatures are forecast to be in the low to mid-70s Thursday and Friday, with overnight lows in the mid-40s.

The gusty conditions are expected to diminish Saturday, with calmer weekend weather predicted in the Pass Area, according to the NWS.