60 MPH Wind Gusts, Higher Fire Risk Forecast For West Valley This Week

NORTHRIDGE, CA — Wind gusts of up to 60 mph and low humidity are expected bring increased fire risk to the west Valley this week.

Winds are expected to pick up around 7 p.m. Thursday in the west Valley and surrounding mountains, when a wind advisory goes into effect. Winds of 20-30 mph, with gusts of up to 40 mph are expected through 10 a.m. Friday, according to the NWS.

A high wind watch for the region goes into effect Friday evening along with forecasted winds of 25-35 mph and gusts of up to 60 mph. The high wind watch ends Saturday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

And a fire weather watch will be in effect for the area from Saturday morning until Sunday morning, with minimum relative humidity levels as low as 8 percent expected.

"If fire ignition occurs, conditions may be favorable for extreme fire behavior which would threaten life and property," the NWS said.

The NWS says that the winds could cause downed power lines and topple trees, while high-profile vehicles may be difficult to drive.