High wind and fire weather watches issued for Redlands

REDLANDS, Calif. — Residents in Redlands and surrounding areas are being urged to prepare for severe weather conditions as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued both a high wind watch and a fire weather watch.

Why it matters: These warnings cover the Inland Empire and San Bernardino County mountains, with strong Santa Ana winds and low humidity creating a heightened risk of wildfires from Tuesday through Thursday.

Details: The high wind watch is in effect from Tuesday morning through late Wednesday night. Forecasts predict northeast winds of 20 to 40 mph with gusts of up to 60 mph in the Inland Empire.

• The San Bernardino mountains, particularly on the coastal slopes, could see winds of 30 to 50 mph, with gusts reaching 75 mph.
• The strongest winds are expected overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning, gradually weakening by Thursday.

In addition, a fire weather watch will be in effect from early Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon. This alert highlights the critical combination of strong winds and low relative humidity, which is expected to drop to 15–20% on Wednesday and as low as 7–15% on Thursday.

The fire weather watch encompasses all mountain zones, the Inland Empire, San Diego valleys, and inland Orange County.

Potential Impacts

• High Winds: Damaging winds could topple trees and power lines, cause widespread power outages, and create hazardous driving conditions, particularly for high-profile vehicles.
• Fire Risk: Low humidity and strong winds could cause any fires that develop to spread rapidly, making outdoor burning extremely dangerous.

Precautionary Measures

• Secure outdoor furniture and other loose items to prevent wind damage.
• Avoid any activities that could spark fires, such as outdoor burning or using machinery near dry vegetation.
• Stay informed through local weather updates and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

The NWS advises residents to monitor forecasts and remain vigilant for possible Red Flag Warnings. For more updates and safety tips, follow the National Weather Service website.

Sign up for the city of Redlands emergency notification system here.