Another Round of ‘Extreme’ Santa Ana Winds Raises Fire Danger for Already Reeling LA Region
Fire Weather Watch Issued for Palisades Fire Area
Firefighters in battle-scarred Los Angeles County and around Southern California could again face “extreme” fire weather conditions with powerful gusts in the coming week, the National Weather Service said on Saturday, January 18.
Strong and Dry Santa Ana Event Expected
“A strong and dry Santa Ana event with extreme fire weather conditions is increasingly likely,” the NWS said in a statement. “This event may be considerably stronger for many areas than the event that we experienced this past Monday through Wednesday.”
Critical Fire Danger Due to Dry Vegetation
The stage is once again set for enormous fire danger because there still is critically dry vegetation, with no real rain since April, meteorologists said. A fire weather watch was issued for the area near the Palisades fire starting at 10 a.m. on Monday until 10 p.m. Tuesday, but the alert could extend beyond that.
Winds Expected to Hit Hardest in Western San Fernando Valley
The strongest winds will blow in the western San Gabriel Mountains, into the Santana Susana mountains and down to the western Santa Monica Mountains, meteorologist Kristan Lund said. It’s predicted that areas in western San Fernando Valley, between Van Nuys and Burbank, will be hit the hardest. Gusts up to 65 mph are expected in non-mountain areas, with gusts up to 80 mph in the mountains.
Orange County and Inland Empire to Experience Santa Ana Winds
In Orange County and the Inland Empire, the NWS said that Santa Ana winds will return for inland areas Monday, peaking in strength Monday night into Tuesday, then continuing through midweek. There is still uncertainty about the strength of winds, but critical fire weather conditions are likely given very low relative humidity.
Cooler Temperatures and Weaker Winds Expected Over Weekend
Cooler temperatures, more humidity and weaker winds will aid firefighting efforts over the weekend, NWS meteorologist Rich Thompson said on Friday.
Conclusion
The region is bracing for another round of extreme fire weather conditions, with powerful gusts expected to hit the area. Firefighters and residents alike are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.
FAQs
* What is a Santa Ana wind event?
A Santa Ana wind event is a period of strong and dry winds that blow from the Santa Ana Mountains into the Los Angeles area, often bringing extreme fire danger.
* What are the expected wind speeds?
Gusts up to 65 mph are expected in non-mountain areas, with gusts up to 80 mph in the mountains.
* When is the fire weather watch in effect?
The fire weather watch is in effect from 10 a.m. on Monday until 10 p.m. Tuesday, but the alert could extend beyond that.
* What can I do to prepare for the next Santa Ana wind event?
Check our previous article for tips on how to prepare for the next Santa Ana wind event.
