Fire watch and high wind warning issued

RIVERSIDE - Strong gusty winds and low humidity will pose an increased risk of wildfire in Riverside County on Wednesday, forecasters said.

The National Weather Service has scheduled a fire weather watch for the entire county from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday. Also, a high wind warning is scheduled for the Inland Empire from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The strongest winds will occur midday on Wednesday, according to the Weather Service.

Winds will be 25-35 mph with gusts over 60 mph in the Inland Empire, the agency advised.

In the mountains, 10-20 mph winds with gusts up to 45 mph were forecast.

The NWS also issued a high wind warning -- denoting a forecast of sustained wind speeds of 40 miles per hour, with gusts of 58 mph or greater -- for the Santa Ana Mountains, which cover portions of Riverside, Orange and San Diego counties. It will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The Weather Service urged motorists -- especially those with high- profile vehicles -- to watch out for broken tree limbs and downed power lines. Visibility could fall in areas with blowing dust, the agency advised.