FIRST ALERT ACTION DAY: Tracking strong winds and dangerous fire weather conditions
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Our Weather Authority First Alert Action Day has been extended as dangerous fire weather conditions, strong winds and blowing dust concerns develop across the Desert Southwest.
While temperatures will remain in the triple-digits across the region with highs on Friday tracking to reach 109°F in Yuma and 107°F in El Centro, the primary focus is shifting from extreme heat to increasing winds and elevated wildfire danger.
A Red Flag Warning is now in effect for much of Yuma County from 11 a.m. Friday through 8 p.m. Saturday.
The combination of gusty winds, very dry air and critically low humidity levels will create conditions favorable for rapid fire growth and extreme fire behavior.
Winds are expected to increase throughout Friday and continue into Saturday, with sustained speeds between 20 and 30 mph and gusts potentially exceeding 40 mph at times.
Relative humidity values will remain low, allowing vegetation to dry out quickly and making it easier for fires to spread.
Residents across Yuma County are urged to avoid any activities that could spark a wildfire, including dragging trailer chains, parking vehicles on dry grass or operating equipment that produces sparks.
Meanwhile, the Imperial Valley is also preparing for a windy weekend.
A Wind Advisory has been issued for Imperial County beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday and continuing through 11 p.m. Saturday evening.
Gusty west winds could create difficult travel conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles along Interstate 8 and other east-west roadways.
The stronger winds are also expected to generate areas of blowing dust, reducing visibility at times across portions of the Imperial Valley.
Because of the anticipated dust and particulate matter, Air Quality Alerts have also been issued for Imperial County, beginning Friday at 2 p.m. and ending at midnight on Saturday.
Sensitive groups, including children, older adults and those with respiratory conditions should limit prolonged outdoor exposure when dust levels increase.
Despite the wind, temperatures will remain above average Saturday, with highs reaching around 106°F in Yuma and 102°F in El Centro.
A gradual cooldown arrives over the weekend, with temperatures falling closer to seasonal averages by Sunday.
We will continue to monitor both the fire weather threat in Yuma County and the blowing dust concerns across the Imperial Valley as this weather system moves through the region.
