Fierce winds and heightened risk of wildfires return to California
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Windy weather and single-digit humidity that created dangerous bone dry conditions across the region are expected to linger. Fierce and gusty winds and a heightened risk of wildfire outbreaks are set to return to southern California, and especially the devastated city of Los Angeles, as the region continues to deal with deadly blazes that have already killed at least 27 people and destroyed or damaged thousands of homes.
Windy weather and single-digit humidity that have created dangerous bone dry conditions across the region are expected to linger through Thursday, said Rich Thompson, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service. The region hasn’t seen rain since April, creating a tinder box-like set of conditions that has millions of residents on edge.
The NWS issued a warning of a “ particularly dangerous situation” for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning due to low humidity and damaging Santa Ana winds. Gusts could peak at 70 mph (113 kph) along the coast and 100 mph (160 kph) in the mountains and foothills.
A windblown dust and ash advisory was also issued, as high winds could disperse ash from existing fire zones across southern California. Critical fire weather with wind gusts up to 60 mph (97 kph) was also forecast for southern California communities stretching to San Diego on Monday and Tuesday, with residents urged to take steps to get ready to evacuate such as creating an emergency kit and keeping cars filled with at least a half tank of gas.
