Santa Ana Winds Will Kick Off 2025 in Southern California

Although it will remain mostly dry with pleasant temperatures in Southern California as the calendar flips from 2024 to 2025, the region will want to be aware of the possibility of Santa Ana winds heading into the new year.

Santa Ana Winds Forecast for Southern California

Forecasters are warning that a Santa Ana wind event will come to life across the coastal portions of Southern California on Tuesday and Wednesday. The winds are expected to ease on Thursday. As is typical with these wind events, the risk of wildfires will also increase as the gusts pick up speed. The ongoing dry conditions throughout this part of the Golden State will raise this risk even further.

The silver lining is that this upcoming Santa Ana wind event is not expected to translate to a strong Sundowner occurrence. Building high pressure throughout the interior Southwest will create the north-to-northeasterly winds to the west. The current forecast models indicate that the winds will take on a northerly track as opposed to the classic northeasterly direction typically associated with Santa Ana winds.

Gusts will hover between 20 and 40 mph with top readings reaching the 60 mph mark. Winds of this magnitude are more indicative of a weak Santa Ana wind event.

Elevated Wildfire Threat Expected

The highest risk of damaging winds will be across Santa Barbara and Ventura countries. Some parts of Los Angeles, Kern, and San Luis Obispo counties will also see winds strong enough to elevate the risk of wildfires.

In addition to the windy conditions, the dry conditions and the low humidity levels will amplify the threat of fire ignition and spread. Local officials are warning residents that fireworks are not a good idea this year for New Year's Eve celebrations. Extra caution should also be taken when using open flames on outdoor cooking appliances.

Widespread power outages are not anticipated with this wind event. However, crossover gusts whipping through some of the mountain passes and open areas could pose difficulties for high-profile vehicles, trucks, campers, and buses.

At this time, the forecast for the Tournament of Roses Parade on Wednesday morning in Pasadena is not expected to be problematic. The suburb of Los Angeles is generally protected from these winds. Pasadena is forecast to see mostly sunny skies with a high in the low 70s.

The winds will continue to ease heading into the 2 pm kickoff time for the Rose Bowl on Wednesday afternoon. Ohio State will take on the University of Oregon in this much-anticipated rematch for the right to head to the semifinals of the college football playoff.

Although winds are going to die down by Thursday, the humidity levels will remain low. This means that any breeze will present concerns of wildfire danger. Residents are being advised to remain vigilant throughout this weather pattern.

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