High Winds, Increased Fire Risk Forecasted For Pacific Palisades

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — Wind gusts of up to 60 mph are expected in Pacific Palisades this week as forecasters warn that high winds and low humidity will bring increased fire risk to the Santa Monica Mountains.

A wind advisory goes into effect for the Palisades at 7 p.m. Thursday. Winds of 20-30 mph, with gusts of up to 40 mph are expected through 10 a.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

More intense winds are expected to begin Friday evening, when a high wind watch goes into effect 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 NWS.

And a fire weather watch will be in effect for the Santa Monica Mountains 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.

SoCal Edison says it may need to shut off power to the Santa Monica Mountains any time between Saturday at noon and 3 p.m. Sunday in order to curb the danger of its equipment sparking wind-fueled wildfires.

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