Santa Ana Winds Expected to Roar Through Portions of Southern California

Just one week after a Santa Ana wind event contributed to the rapid spread of a fire in Malibu, California, another round of high winds will once again increase the threat of wildfires for Southern California. Here is what forecasters are saying about the latest risk of gusty winds for this part of the Golden State.

Santa Ana Winds Back in the Forecast for Southern California

Santa Ana winds are expected to kick up late Monday across Southern California. The models indicate that the strong winds will remain a concern through at least early Wednesday. These winds will roar through the canyons, the mountain slopes, and over into the coastal areas.

Forecasters are worried that the winds will cause the existing wildfires in the region to spread more readily. In addition, the burning embers of these fires could also ignite new wildfires.

Meteorologists are detailing that an area of high pressure is going to build over the Great Basin beginning Monday night. This rising pressure will hold on through Tuesday and into early Wednesday, generating high winds that will rush down the interior mountains in Southern California. The winds will creep down into the valleys and across the northeast-to-southwest-oriented canyons. Wind speeds will increase as the air pushes downhill.

The start of last week's Franklin Fire on December 9 was triggered during a moderate Santa Ana wind event, meaning that it does not have to be a powerful event to raise this danger. As of the latest CalFire update, the Franklin Fire had burned through over 4,000 acres and was 54% contained. Several structures have been confirmed to be damaged or destroyed by the fire that hit a populated area of the region.

The upcoming Santa Ana wind event is expected to produce gusts hitting speeds of 40 to 60 mph with peak gusts moving at speeds high enough to send sparks flying out of the control. All residents in this region should take extra care in working with open flames and power equipment.

Motorists using high-profile vehicles should also be prepared for the risk of rollover accidents. These accidents are the most typical in open areas or over mountain passes where the winds come through at an angle that is perpendicular to the roadway.

Specific City Forecasts

Looking ahead, the northeast winds will likely die down beginning Wednesday. As is typical with Southern California Santa Ana wind events, the downtown Los Angeles area will dodge the worst of the impacts. The location of this downtown corridor is generally well protected from the high winds. However, the surrounding suburbs will still be in the potential danger zone.

Los Angeles is forecast to see a high of about 73 degrees on Tuesday with partly cloudy skies. Winds will remain light and variable in the core of the metropolitan area. Temperatures will be on the upswing on Wednesday with a high in the low 80s and mostly sunny skies. The mercury will begin to trend into the upper 60s heading into the weekend as the high pressure area starts to dissipate.

It will be a different situation heading farther inland and away from downtown Los Angeles. For example, Valencia is forecast to see winds increase Tuesday, coming in at speeds of 15 to 25 mph from the north-northeast. Highs will bounce around in the mid 70s under a mix of sun and clouds. The low humidity levels will further exacerbate the threat of wildfire ignition and spread. Winds are forecast to remain at these levels through Wednesday with slightly warmer temperatures.

The highest wind speeds are likely to reach the Malibu area overnight Tuesday when winds hover at speeds of 10 to 20 mph. Like the rest of the region, highs in the 70s on Tuesday will be replaced with readings in the low 80s on Wednesday.

It will be just a bit breezy in San Bernardino. The city in the valley is forecast to experience winds out of the north-northeast at 10 to 15 mph on Tuesday. It will be a mostly pleasant day with highs in the mid 70s and mostly sunny skies. The forecast is calling for an even warmer day on Wednesday with highs that eclipse the 80-degree mark.

Being mindful of the risks presented by these gusty winds will help to keep you and your family safe until the conditions ease.

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