Santa Cruz County is in for some gusty winds on Monday, raising the risk of wildfire, the National Weather Service warned.
Areas along the coast, in high-elevation regions and typically windy areas in the county are expected to experience wind gusts ranging from 20 to 35 mph. The rest of the county is expected to receive winds of about 15 to 25 mph.
The National Weather Service recommends residents take precautions in strong winds when driving and secure outdoor objects, such as trash cans and lawn furniture.
High winds combined with a lower relative humidity also increase the risk of wildfire, and residents should be careful when engaging in activities with additional fire risk such as leaving campfires unattended, lighting bonfires and smoking cigarettes.
Forecasts no longer anticipate an elevated heat risk for Santa Cruz County that was previously predicted last week, with temperatures now expected to peak Wednesday at 78 in Santa Cruz and around 90 in the Santa Cruz Mountains before cooling into the low 70s and mid-80s, respectively, by Friday.
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