Potential lightning strikes prompt fire warnings through Sunday in parts of Riverside County

The National Weather Service said Saturday that a fire weather watch has been issued for much of Riverside County and will remain in place through Sunday night. Dry lightning and gusty winds are increasing the threat of wildfires.

Critical fire weather conditions and a chance of thunderstorms are expected in the Riverside County mountains and high deserts, forecasters said.

If lightning strikes, fire starts are possible due to very dry fuel conditions and strong and erratic winds, according to forecasters.

Meanwhile, temperatures will be slightly cooler following a triple-digit heat wave that scorched the region for much of the week.

The NWS said highs will range from 94 to 102 in the Riverside County valleys and the Inland Empire and from 90 to 98 in the mountains. Wind gusts of up to 30 mph are expected in both areas.

The new fire warnings were issued as a brush fire erupted Friday on a hillside east of Temecula, injuring two firefighters and prompting evacuations. By Saturday morning, the Pauba Fire was 50% contained, but evacuation warnings remain in place, Cal Fire said on X at 7:30 a.m.

Also, on Friday in Banning, a wildfire quickly scorched 50 acres and prompted evacuation warnings. Within a few hours, though, it had stopped spreading. As of 7:30 a.m. Saturday, the fire was contained at 5O acres while firefighters remained on the scene working to contain the fire.

City News Service contributed to this report.