60 MPH Gusts Expected In Major Santa Ana Wind Storm; Fire Watch Issued

LOS ANGELES, CA — Extremely windy and dry conditions across Southern California will elevate the risk of wildfire in the Southland this weekend and early into next week, National Weather Service forecasters said.

The first significant Santa Ana wind event of the season will likely bring critical fire weather late into Saturday night and into Tuesday before weakening, forecasters said.

"This is a high confidence very significant event for Saturday Night through Monday, especially from a Fire Weather standpoint. Residents in the Fire Weather Watch area, especially those in high fire danger locales, need to get ready now in case a fire starts or power loss materializes," forecasters said

The winds are predicted to be the strongest on Sunday, reaching speeds of 35 to 50 mph with gusts up to 60 mph in mountain and foothill locations, NWS forecasters said.

Humidity levels in some areas will reach incredibly low percentages of 3 to 10 percent, according to NWS spokesperson Ryan Kittell. These dry conditions make areas very susceptible to catching fire, Kittell said.

"That's about as low as it gets. If a fire, with this environment, were to go off it would get really big really fast," Kittell said. "This is not a borderline event — it's kind of extreme."

Despite the dry conditions, temperatures should be mild throughout the weekend.

According to the seven-day forecast by the National Weather Service, highs in Northridge will be in the 70s and 80s while wind gusts will reach up to 45 mph on Sunday. Mission Viejo will have similar temperatures but more extreme winds at 55 mph.

Coastal areas, such as Manhattan Beach, San Diego and Newport Beach will have peaks in the high 70s with winds of about 15 to 25 mph with the possibility for 45 mph gusts, according to the weather service's forecast. Temperatures in Downtown Los Angeles are forecasted to be similar with slower wind peaking at about 20 mph.

Kittell said the winds increase the risk of downed power lines leading to power outages and fires. Residents should stay aware of their surroundings and be prepared in case a fire does break out and officials order evacuations.

Kittell recommended making a plan of where households would go if a fire were to break out in their area and prepare in advance to quicken evacuations.

For Los Angeles County, residents can sign up for emergency alerts at Ready.LACounty.gov. Orange County residents can sign up for alerts at ReadyOC.com. San Diego County residents can sign up for alerts at ReadySanDiego.org.