Santa Ana Winds Linger in Southland, Heightening Fire Concerns

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Wind advisories remain in effect through this afternoon for much of the Southland, with gusty Santa Ana conditions combining with low humidity levels to create a heightened risk of wildfires.

Wind advisories are in place until 3 p.m. for the L.A. County Coast, including downtown L.A.; the San Gabriel Valley; the San Fernando Valley; the Santa Clarita Valley; the L.A. County Mountains; and the Santa Monica Mountains.

A wind advisory was in place until noon for Orange County inland areas.

Winds were expected to range from 20 to 35 mph, with gusts from 50 to 60 mph.

The National Weather Service said the high winds could to blow around unsecured objects and make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

“The strongest winds will be in the L.A. mountains (including the Santa Monicas), Santa Clarita Valley and in the higher hills of L.A. and Ventura Counties, where gusts up to 55 mph are possible,'' the NWS said.

“Humidities will fall into the single digits and lower teens along with an increase in temperatures.''

As a result, elevated fire weather conditions are expected. However, due to fuel moistures still being above critical levels, the weather service said that no Fire Weather Watches or Red Flag Warnings were in effect or anticipated.

Temperatures were expected to be in the 80s all around the Southland on Wednesday but get warmer on Thursday.

“The offshore winds will weaken considerably Thursday,'' the NWS said. “However, high temperatures will be warmer, with highs approaching 90 degrees, and it will still be very dry with some local offshore breezes, especially in the morning hours.''

Cooler conditions are anticipated by Friday and into the weekend thanks to a return of an onshore flow. However, temperatures will still be about five degrees above normal, according to the NWS.

Photo: Getty Images

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