Fire Weather Watch has been issued
A Fire Weather Watch is in effect until 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, for San Diego County valleys and mountains, according to the National Weather Service.
A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Expect strong, gusty winds and low humidity, especially Monday afternoon. A Red Flag Warning may also be issued.
Areas of northeast to east winds of 15 to 25 mph are expected with gusts to 40 mph. Higher gusts are possible in the windiest locations. The lowest daytime humidity is expected to fall to between 10 and 15 percent.
Winds will weaken Monday evening, according to the National Weather Service. Another increase in wind will occur Tuesday morning, but will not be as strong.
Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
In addition, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) issued its own warning for Santa Ana winds and high fire danger:
“Due to elevated fire weather conditions and forecasted Santa Ana winds, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has notified certain backcountry residents that it may have to turn off power in order to reduce wildfire risk in the coming days. Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are approved by state regulators as an important safety tool to mitigate fire risk during dangerous weather conditions.
“The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Monday for inland San Diego County mountains and foothills. Weak to moderate strength Santa Ana winds are expected to arrive today, peak Monday morning in strength and become weak to moderate by the end of the day. In preparation, SDG&E has activated its Emergency Operations Center to monitor conditions 24/7 and has organized personnel and pre-staged materials and equipment for response.
“Yesterday, SDG&E sent PSPS notifications to approximately 700 customers at risk of Public Safety Power Shutoffs via phone, text messages and email. Customers who were notified should be prepared to activate their personal emergency plan to keep their family, pets and livestock safe. SDG&E will continue to provide customers with updates when there is more certainty about forecasted weather conditions. … A list of areas at risk of PSPS is available at sdge.com/ready. SDG&E’s network of 230 weather stations located throughout its service territory provides grid operators with real-time data on wind, temperature and humidity conditions and help them decide when and whether to de-energize power lines to maintain safety.”