Red flag warnings issued as high winds to increase fire hazards around Southern California

Intense winds and an abrupt drop in humidity in parts of Southern California prompted the National Weather Service to issue red flag warnings for Sunday and Monday.

Gusty north to northeast winds and relative humidity near 15% will lead to periods of critical fire weather conditions in parts of the San Bernardino Mountains and below the Cajon Pass into the Inland Empire, the NWS announced.

Winds are likely to be highest in and around mountains and in desert locations, the weather service said.