Red flag warning in effect Monday

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Strong northeast winds coupled with drier than normal conditions threatened to fuel a wildfire in the valleys and mountains of San Diego County Monday, meteorologists said.

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for valley and mountain areas until 8 p.m. The warning did not extend into coastal or desert areas.

According to the Weather Service, the lowest daytime humidity will be around 5 percent in valley and mountains areas today. The agency also said sustained 20 to 30 mile per hour winds and widespread gusts up to 45 mph were likely in those areas.

A red flag warning is the Weather Service’s most serious fire-related warning. It is issued whenever conditions that could contribute to extreme fire behavior in the region.

A less-serious wind advisory for valley and mountains areas was also scheduled until 4 p.m. Tuesday, according to the NWS.

A wind advisory means winds that could make driving difficult are occurring or are about to occur.