Southern California is bracing for a weekend of intense Santa Ana winds, raising concerns about wildfire risks. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning, highlighting the critical fire danger posed by the combination of gusting winds and low humidity.
The strongest winds are expected to hit the Santa Ana-prone areas, including the Highway 14 corridor, San Gabriel Mountains, western San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley, Conejo Valley, Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Coast, and Oxnard/Camarillo plain.
Winds are predicted to reach up to 55 mph in the mountains and 45 mph in coastal and valley areas, peaking in the late morning and early afternoon on Friday. While they are expected to subside during the evening, the gusts will pick up again late Friday night and persist into Saturday afternoon.
These winds will also bring dry conditions, with humidity levels anticipated to drop to a concerning 5% to 15% range on both Friday and Saturday.
The Red Flag Warning, effective from 9 a.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday, covers the Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Calabasas, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the 5 and 14 Freeway corridors. The NWS emphasizes that even a small spark could rapidly ignite a wildfire under these conditions, posing a significant threat to life and property.
While the winds are expected to taper off by Sunday, the lingering offshore flow and warming air mass will maintain elevated temperatures, potentially reaching near 90 degrees in the warmer valleys and low to mid-80s along the coast.
With the Santa Ana winds anticipated to create a heightened risk for wildfire ignition, residents are urged to exercise extreme caution. Avoid activities that could spark a fire, such as outdoor burning, using machinery, or operating vehicles in dry grass. Stay informed about the latest weather updates and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.