[NWS] – Gusty northeast winds and low humidity will bring critical fire weather conditions to lower elevation areas Thursday evening through Saturday afternoon.

Northerly winds across the area today (Thursday) will shift to the northeast tonight, producing the first widespread Santa Ana event of the season.

The peak in wind strength is expected early on Friday. The winds should weaken some Fridaynight but will likely remain breezy through Saturnday afternoon. The lowest humidities are expected to occur Friday and Saturday aftneroon, when widespread single-digit humidities are forecasted. Overnight humidity recoveries will be poor and mostly under 30 percent.

If fire ignition occurs, the combination of critical fire weather conditions and very dry fuels will create the potential of rapidly spreading wildfire.

(10:20 a.m.) A red flag warning remains in effect from 8 p.m. this evening to 2 p.m. Saturday for gusty northeast winds and low humidies.

* Winds: North to northeast 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph tonight through Friday, weakening to 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph Friday night through Saturday.

* Relative humidity: Lowering to 5 to 10 percent each afternoon with poor overnight recoveries generally 10 to 25 percent.

* Impacts: The combination of gusty northeast winds, low humidity and critically dry fuels will create an environment favorable for rapid fire growth.