Passage of Santa Anas peak but dry and windy conditions next week to maintain fire risk

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The Santa Ana winds eased Friday afternoon, but that doesn’t mean San Diegans can let their guard down.

Red flag and strong wind warnings remain in effect until 6 p.m. Friday, although the strongest winds have already occurred.

Although the region will see brief onshore winds over the weekend, there is another chance for light to moderate Santa Ana winds to return Sunday and Tuesday.

This offshore trend appears fairly consistent through mid-January and given the historically dry conditions, it won’t take much wind for a fire to spread.

Saturday’s daytime highs will reach the mid 60s for the coast, the 70s inland, the 60s for the mountains and the 70s for the deserts.

San Diego may receive some smoke derived from the Los Angeles wildfires as winds shift Saturday, but it is expected to return to coastal waters Sunday as the offshore flow returns.

More Santa Ana winds are expected Sunday and Tuesday, but they are not expected to be as intense.

Unfortunately, there is no chance of rain for next week.

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