Red Flag Warning in effect through Monday afternoon

A Red Flag Warning is in effect Monday for parts of Riverside County due to strong winds and low humidity raising the potential for fire danger.

The warning will extend through 7 p.m. and is issued for the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning and Riverside County valleys and mountains, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters expect gusty northeast winds to range between 20 to 30 mph with some isolated gusts topping out at 65 mph.

The strongest winds will blow through passes and canyons where motorists, especially those driving high-profile vehicles, should be extra cautious.

Humidity levels will dip as low as 10 percent during the day with poor overnight recovery, forecasters said.

The NWS warned that “any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.”

The report indicates strong winds could potentially push a fire along, helping it to spread quickly, while low relative humidity allows vegetation to burn readily.

The winds are expected to subside by Tuesday.