70MPH Gusts Return To Menace Cities Already Ablaze

LOS ANGELES — A red flag warning will remain in place until Friday evening for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties as firefighters battle winds fueling some of the most destructive wildfires in the Southland's history. Forecasters warned Thursday that additional rounds of damaging wind gusts are returning.

In the short-term, this means that firefighters Thursday night will be contending with some of the same powerful gusts that carried burning embers more than a mile Tuesday. And more destructive Santa Ana winds are in store early next week as well, the National Weather Service warned.

Los Angeles can expect no help from mother nature.

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The two largest blazes, the Palisades and Eaton fires have burned over 27,000 acres, destroyed over 1,000 buildings and were 0 percent contained Thursday morning. Evacuation orders have forced nearly 180,000 to flee their homes, and at least six people have died.

Wind gusts ranging from 30 to 50 mph were forecast Thursday in typical Santa Ana wind areas, with stronger gusts of 40 to 55 mph expected in the evening and into Friday. Forecasters said isolated gusts up to 70 mph would be possible in the foothills and peaks, with widespread humidity levels of just 10 to 20 percent.

Forecasters said gusty offshore winds and low humidity would continue to fan the flames through at least Friday, and warned more critical fire weather could rear its head over the weekend.

"An extended period of offshore flow will continue across the burn area into the middle of next week," NWS Los Angeles forecasters wrote in a spot forecast for the Eaton fire. "While there will be somewhat weaker winds through this afternoon, the winds will increase again tonight through early Friday. Winds will likely vary significantly between higher terrain and the lower elevations of the fire, as the area is sheltered from the northeast."

The weather service said sea breeze filtering into the valleys Saturday may allow fire weather to moderate temporarily, but a dual threat of offshore winds could create more problems along the Interstate 5 corridor starting Saturday night.

"The flow pattern will transition from northerly to northeasterly between Saturday and Sunday, and this will allow for gusty Santa Ana to redevelop," the weather service said. "There is a moderate chance that Santa Lucia winds will develop, as well. Wind headlines will likely be needed again for the gusty Santa Ana winds, and there is a decent chance of critical fire weather conditions redeveloping during this period."

Early signs in the extended forecast suggest another "strong and damaging" Santa Ana wind event could develop Tuesday night, fanning more gusts above 50 mph, with no rain on the horizon.

"There is great concern that fire weather conditions could become exacerbated given the antecedent conditions, little rain across the area since the spring of 2024, and another offshore wind event on top of all of what we have seen so far. Residents are urged to stay tuned to [the] latest information and remain vigilant in steps to protect your life and property."

Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.