UPDATED: Red Flag Warning Issued Across The Inland Empire

UPDATED POST: A fire weather warning issued by the National Weather Service has been upgraded.

Strong gusty winds coupled with low humidity have prompted the NWS to issue a red flag warning across the Southland that will remain in effect through 5 p.m. Friday.

The fire weather watch was issued Wednesday morning, but the updated forecast indicates conditions have become more “explosive.”

“A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly,” the NWS reported. “A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential.”

Winds are blowing out of the northeast at 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph, according to the NWS.

Relative humidity is very low, with the lowest daytime reading from 5 to 10 percent with poor overnight recovery, the agency reported.

ORIGINAL POST: Windy, dry conditions have resulted in a “fire watch” message issued by the National Weather Sevice.

The notice was issued Wednesday and will last through Friday afternoon across the Inland Empire, according to the NWS.

Winds are forecast to gust up to 50 mph, the NWS has warned.

“A fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur,” the NWS reported. The ‘fire watch’ may be elevated to red flag warnings, according to the NWS.

Humidity will drop below 15 percent this afternoon with poor recovery expected tonight, the NWS reported. Humidity will drop again Friday to below 10 percent, according to the NWS.