Southern California in “Uncharted Territory” as Extreme Fire Weather Returns Next Week
Red Flag Fire Warnings Issued for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties
Another round of extreme fire weather is expected next week with gusts of up to 80 mph in Southern California, bringing new dangers as Pacific Palisades, Altadena and surrounding communities struggle to assess the damage of devastating wildfires earlier this month.
National Weather Service Warns of “Uncharted Territories”
“The bottom line is: we’re in uncharted territories this deep into the winter, or rainy season,” said Alex Tardy, a National Weather Service meteorologist in San Diego. “After mostly calm winds over the weekend, fire weather is expected to return Monday, with the peak threat arriving that night through Tuesday morning, but it could persist through Thursday, forecasters said.
Red Flag Fire Warnings Issued for Portions of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties
Red flag fire warnings are expected for portions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, said Rose Schoenfeld, a weather service meteorologist in Oxnard. “We’re looking at another period of long-duration fire weather concerns here,” Schoenfeld said.
Record-Setting Dry Spell Continues
All this fire weather comes amid a continuing record-setting dry spell, which could break Jan. 25 to Feb. 1 when there is a 20% to 30% chance of rain. That potential rain, Schoenfeld said, is expected to be on the lighter side and “doesn’t look like the kind of rain that would really put a complete end to fire weather season.”
Downtown Los Angeles Sets Record for Dry Spell
The last day downtown Los Angeles saw more than one-tenth of an inch of rain on a single day was May 5. Since May 6, there hasn’t been a single day with one-tenth of an inch of rain or more, for 257 days and counting.
Across Southern California, the Driest Start to the Water Year on Record
For the 3 1/2-month period that began Oct. 1, so little rain has fallen that it is the driest period for this time frame for Los Angeles International Airport, UCLA, Van Nuys, Woodland Hills, and Camarillo.
Strong Santa Ana Winds Expected
Strong Santa Ana winds are forecast for Monday and Tuesday, particularly 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with sustained gusts of 45 mph to 65 mph expected across Santa Ana wind corridors of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Wind speeds as high as 80 mph are forecast in the mountains and foothills.
Air Dryness and Humidity Expected
The air is also expected to be very dry. Relatively humidity on Tuesday could hit as low as 5% in Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Canoga Park, Fillmore, Santa Clarita, Acton, and Pyramid Lake.
Precautionary Measures Urged
Given the potential effects of the strong winds and extreme fire weather, Schoenfeld urged residents to plan ahead, ensuring medication is packed, vehicles are ready, and evacuation routes are planned.
Conclusion
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this period of extreme fire weather. With the ongoing dry spell and strong Santa Ana winds, it is crucial to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the forecast for the next week?
A: Red flag fire warnings are expected for portions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, with strong Santa Ana winds and extremely dry conditions.
Q: What is the current dry spell like in Southern California?
A: The dry spell is record-breaking, with downtown Los Angeles setting a record for the longest streak without a day with more than one-tenth of an inch of rain.
Q: How can I stay safe during this period of extreme fire weather?
A: Plan ahead by packing medication, preparing your vehicle, and identifying evacuation routes. Stay away from trees, windows, and use extreme caution when using anything that could start a fire.
