By Reginald Stanley. Posted January 29, 2020, 1:24 PM.

Strong Santa Ana Winds have kicked up across Southern California today, which are expected to peak Wednesday night and continue well into Friday. This has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a High Wind Warning for areas of Riverside and San Bernardino counties west of the mountains. The Santa Ana Winds have occurred as the result of an upper low over northern Arizona.

Gusts of up to 35 MPH were predicted inland through the day Wednesday, which may increase to around 45 MPH late Wednesday night as winds strengthen. Winds will slightly weaken Thursday and Friday, coinciding with gradually warming temperatures. Strong northerly winds have affected most of the Inland Empire, interior San Diego County and the mountain ranges. Most WeatherCurrents stations inland have experienced max gusts in the 30-40 MPH range Wednesday, with Riverside (Orangecrest) recording the highest wind speed of 43 MPH just after noon Wednesday. The San Jacinto Valley to the east has been considerably less affected by the Santa Ana Winds, as well as the foothill communities of De Luz and Fallbrook, and the Los Angeles Basin.