Residents of Southern California should prepare for strong winds and potential fire risks from Thursday afternoon to Friday afternoon. The National Weather Service has predicted that parts of the region will experience sustained winds ranging from 20 to 40 mph, with gusts reaching between 40 to 60 mph. In the mountain regions, gusts may reach speeds of up to 70 mph.
Areas west of the 405 Freeway are at higher risk for wildfires. This is due to the lack of rain they received compared to areas east of the freeway, which benefited from precipitation from the former Tropical Storm Rachel. Concerns are growing about potential power outages, especially in Malibu, and heat-related illnesses as temperatures along the coast approach the 90s.
Firefighters recently contained a brush fire in Brentwood near the Department of Veterans Affairs’ West Los Angeles Campus. Fire departments across Los Angeles are deploying personnel and equipment in anticipation of dangerous fire weather from these winds. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is also positioning additional resources, including firefighters and aircraft, across Orange, Ventura, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara counties.
Mayor Karen Bass’ office expressed confidence in the city’s preparedness for the upcoming red flag conditions. A spokesperson highlighted that the Department of Water and Power has fully stocked water tanks servicing hillside areas and all open-air reservoirs are ready to support firefighting efforts. No current concerns exist regarding water pressure within the city’s hydrant system.
The L.A. County Fire Department will increase staffing by approximately 100 personnel on Thursday and Friday. They are pre-positioning resources such as fire engines, strike teams, camp crews, water tenders, and drone units in high-risk areas, including Malibu, the 101 Freeway corridor, and Antelope Valley.
Amidst these conditions, parks in the Santa Monica Mountains will close temporarily. Various agencies, including California State Parks and the National Park Service, announced coordinated park closures whenever red-flag warnings are issued by the National Weather Service.
Despite projections that human greenhouse gas pollution might reduce the frequency of Santa Ana winds by 2100, scientists from UCLA find this is already occurring. However, the current winds serve as a reminder of Southern California’s continuous vulnerability to destructive wildfires.
Understanding Santa Ana Winds
Santa Ana winds are strong, dry winds originating in Southern California and northern Baja California. They develop from high-pressure areas in the Great Basin and move downslope, primarily in the fall but can occur any time during the year.
As of now, a red flag warning is effective for parts of Los Angeles County and Ventura County, lasting through Saturday at 8 p.m. This includes hillside and valley areas such as the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, and San Gabriel Valleys, alongside much of Ventura County. A high wind watch is also in place for interior regions of San Diego, Orange, and Riverside counties.
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