Santa Ana Winds To Bring 65 MPH Gusts, 'Critical' Fire Risk To SoCal

LOS ANGELES, CA — Forecasted wind gusts of up to 65 mph coupled with low humidity has prompted the National Weather Service to warn that "critical" fire weather conditions are likely across much of Southern California this week.

Santa Ana winds are expected to make their return to the region beginning Thursday evening, when a wind advisory goes into effect from parts of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. Winds of 20-30 mph, with gusts of up to 40 mph are expected through 10 a.m. Friday, according to the NWS.

Winds — and fire risk — will pick up Friday and into Saturday, when a fire weather watch kicks in for a much larger area that stretches from coastal Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties to the Inland Empire.

"The winds and risk will be focused over Santa Barbara County later Friday and Friday night, then shift to Los Angeles and Ventura Counties on Saturday and Sunday," according to the National Weather Service.

Relative humidity levels will be as low as 8 percent in areas near the Los Angeles County mountains and as low as 7 percent in the Inland Empire. The windiest areas will see isolated gusts of up to 65 mph, with sustained winds between 23-35 mph.

A more severe red flag warning could be possible. The NWS said it will make a decision whether to upgrade the fire weather watch on Friday.

San Diego County will be largely spared from the windiest and driest weather, with gusts of up to 14 mph expected in San Diego along with a minimum of 22 percent relative humidity on Saturday. NWS forecasters expect it to be slightly drier — but much windier — in Orange County.

The conditions mean that any fires that do develop are likely to spread rapidly, the NWS said.

The forecast has prompted Southern California Edison to warn of the possibility that it could shut off power Saturday and Sunday to some areas in order to curb the risk of its equipment sparking wildfires. That includes parts of the Santa Monica Mountains; Santa Susana, Simi, and San Fernando valleys; Irvine, and Inland Empire.