201911.16
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Dangerous fire weather forecast for Sunday in Southern California

by in News

Weather conditions that are likely to rapidly spread fire — high winds, rising temperatures and low humidity — are forecast for Southern California for Sunday.

Those winds also could bring rain to the region starting Tuesday.

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for the Riverside and San Bernardino valleys and mountains, the San Gorgonio Pass, Cleveland National Forest and eastern Orange County that will be in effect from 1 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Winds from the east at 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph are predicted along with humidity of 10% and a high temperature of 92 degrees. Humidity will remain low Monday, but the temperature will decrease a few degrees, and the wind speed will lessen, the NWS said.

Another red flag warning was issued from 1 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday for the Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys as well as the Los Angeles County Mountains and the Ventura County valleys.

High temperatures in the 80s to low 90s on Sunday could break records for Nov. 17 in downtown Los Angeles and at LAX and Long Beach Airport, the NWS said.

“Gusty winds, near-record high temperatures and dry conditions could bring critical fire weather conditions to the region on Sunday,” the weather service said.

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions either exist or will shortly.

On Saturday, high temperatures in the region resulted in a record for the date of 92 degrees in Palm Springs, beating the previous high of 89 degrees set in 2008. Camarillo saw a high of 93 degrees, which tied a record for the date last hit in 2008.

High winds have fanned the flames of numerous fires in Southern California this fall, resulting in structures being destroyed and lives being lost. Fire officials urge residents to have an evacuation plan in place that includes food, water, a fully charged cell phone and easily accessible important documents and photos. More information is available at readyforwildfire.org.

The officials also recommend being careful with activities that could cause a spark such as mowing a field or parking a car on brush.

Beginning on Tuesday, a chance of showers is forecast through Friday, along with a cooling trend that could pull the high temperatures down into the mid-60s.