UPDATED: Red Flag Warning Extended Across The Southland

UPDATED May 2 at 7 a.m.:

A red flag warning that took effect at 8 a.m. Wednesday across the Inland Empire and other Southern California areas has been extended to 6 p.m. Friday, according to an urgent message from the National Weather Service.

The red flag warning has been prompted by very low relative humidity and moderate Santa Ana winds, according to the first NWS statement issued Tuesday.

According to an updated NWS statement issued Thursday morning, winds in the Inland Empire are expected to reach 15 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph, and relative humidity will dip to around 5 percent during the day with poor overnight recovery. Daytime high temperatures will reach the 90s, according to the NWS statement.

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are “either occurring now or will shortly.”

“A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential,” the NWS reported.

The wind gusts will weaken Friday evening and relative humidity will increase above 25 percent on Saturday, according to the NWS. By Sunday, there is a chance of rain, with thunderstorms possible in the evening and into Monday, the agency reported. Showers may linger into Tuesday, according to the NWS.