San Diego County is under an elevated risk of fire danger through Thursday due to moderate Santa Ana winds, above average temperatures and low humidity levels.
The Santa Ana Wildfire Threat Index, operated by SDG&E, UCLA and the U.S. Forest Service, was increased to a level 3. The index gauges the severity of Santa Ana wind events in five threat levels.
"This Santa Ana event will have localized sustained northeast to east winds of 20 to 30 mph along with higher gusts, accompanied by humidity values in the teens," the Index stated. "Fuels across the inland valleys and foothills should dry out enough from the recent rain to allow for rapid rates of spread should an ignition occur."
Officials are urging the public to be prepared.
"Make sure that your emergency preparedness kit is in order. An emergency can happen at any time. Clean debris away from your house. Charge your cell phone and make sure you have plenty of gas," the Index warning stated.
A strong ridge of high pressure combined with offshore flow will cause temperatures to rise 10-15 degrees above average, according to the National Weather Service. Inland valleys are expected to reach the low 90s; coastal highs will hover around 80 degrees.
Winds are expected to weaken by Friday as a slow cooling trend takes effect.
