A high wind warning is in effect for Temecula through 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. The season's first Santa Ana wind event could push gusts to 55 mph Friday and raise wildfire danger across the region.
The National Weather Service forecast for Temecula calls for east winds increasing to 25 to 35 mph on Friday, Oct. 16, with gusts as high as 55 mph. Winds ease Friday night but remain breezy, with gusts up to 40 mph. By Saturday, gusts drop to around 30 mph.
The warning upgraded an earlier wind watch we reported Oct. 13. It covers the Riverside metropolitan area, mountain passes and the San Bernardino National Forest, according to City News Service, via Patch.
Winds will peak Friday. In exposed spots near the Cajon Pass and San Gorgonio Pass, gusts could exceed 65 mph, the NWS said, according to City News Service. Most areas will see gusts below 50 mph during daylight hours.
Temperatures in Temecula will run in the mid- to upper 80s through the weekend. The NWS forecast shows a high near 86 degrees Thursday, 87 on Friday and 84 on Saturday.
Cal Fire advised residents to be prepared for downed trees and power lines, "blowing dust, hazardous driving conditions and elevated fire danger."
Gov. Gavin Newsom directed Cal Fire and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to move firefighters, engines, aircraft and equipment into Southern California ahead of the winds, according to a Cal OES statement released Wednesday, Oct. 14. Cal OES resources began deploying Thursday morning, Oct. 15, and will remain in place through Sunday, Oct. 18.
Cal Fire is increasing staffing and positioning engine strike teams across Southern California, the statement said. Cal OES is also placing resources in Orange, Ventura, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara counties.
Utility providers may initiate Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) in parts of Southern California to reduce wildfire risk from electrical infrastructure, according to Cal OES.
Southern California Edison warned of possible shutoffs, with over 95,000 customers in Los Angeles County under consideration, the San Bernardino Sun reported. Residents can check their outage status with Edison online.
A trough of low pressure arriving Sunday is expected to change the pattern. Forecasters see a slight chance of showers by Oct. 20, though no significant storm activity is predicted.
Cal OES urged residents to review evacuation routes, pack a go-bag, sign up for local emergency alerts, secure outdoor furniture and avoid activities that could create sparks.
