Santa Ana winds expected this week for San Diego

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Strong, gusty Santa Ana winds are expected to bluster through San Diego County’s valleys and mountains this week, forecasters said Sunday.

A National Weather Service high wind watch is set to take effect Monday evening and extend through Tuesday afternoon. Sustained north to northeast winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour are expected during the watch period along with gusts that could reach 75 mph.

“Offshore winds will gradually develop over Southern California tonight and Monday as high pressure builds into the Great Basin,” according to the weather service. “As this surface-based high pressure strengthens Monday night, a period of moderate to locally strong gusty Santa Ana winds will develop.”

Forecasters said the strongest winds would blow below Cuyamaca. They warned that the winds could be strong enough to down tree limbs, kick debris into roadways and make for hazardous driving conditions.

Weaker winds are expected to hit San Diego County Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, according to the NWS.