Santa Ana winds set to return, red flag warning in place locally

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - Santa Ana winds are making a return to the region Wednesday, combining with low humidity levels to create dangerous fire conditions that are expected to continue into Thursday.

A red flag warning of severe wildfire threat took effect at 8 a.m. Wednesday for Riverside County valleys and mountains and the Inland Empire, along with the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning. The warning will remain in place until noon Thursday.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a windblown dust advisory for the eastern Coachella Valley starting Wednesday morning. Sand and dust were...