A Red Flag Warning that went into effect Monday for San Diego County mountains and valleys has been extended due to strong gusty winds and low relative humidity.

NWS' 3:40 a.m. advisory indicates winds were blowing northeast at speeds between 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph.

The National Weather Service has extended a Red Flag Warning until Friday morning for San Diego County's inland valleys and mountains.

The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings until Friday morning for inland valleys and mountain areas.

Following weeks of critically bone-dry conditions, San Diego County could finally get a taste of rain over the weekend.

A red flag warning was set to expire for San Diego County Wednesday as Santa Ana winds diminish, although dry conditions could still create concern for wildfires in the days to come, forecasters said.

"If fire ignition occurs, conditions are favorable for very rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior," the NWS warns.

NBC 7's Greg Bledsoe was forecasting that the winds would pick up Monday evening, then peak overnight into Tuesday morning, with isolated gusts possibly reaching 80 mph

Amid an extended red flag warning, a new fire exploded north of Castaic. Evacuations were ordered after 11 a.m. Wind gusts reached 31 mph Wednesday afternoon in the area and are expected to increase over the next several hours.

A critical fire threat will continue across County as Santa Ana winds and dry conditions persist through early Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

For the third day in a row this week, some schools are canceling classes due to strong winds and power outages.