LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Santa Ana winds will make a return to the Southland tomorrow, combining with low humidity levels to create dangerous fire conditions that are expected to continue into Thursday.
A red flag warning of severe wildfire threat will take effect at 8 a.m. Wednesday for the Santa Monica Mountains, Los Angeles County Mountains, the Angeles National Forest, the coastal region stretching into downtown Los Angeles and the Santa Clarita, San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys. The warning will remain in place until noon Thursday.
“Gusty Santa Ana winds are expected to increase rapidly across Los Angeles and Ventura counties earlier Wednesday morning, then peak in strength Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night when wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph are expected across wind-favored areas,'' according to the National Weather Service. “Humidity levels are expected to fall to around 15% by mid-morning Wednesday in downslope areas, with widespread drying down to 3 to 10% Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning.''
According to forecasters, the red flag warning means there is a potential for rapid fire spread should a blaze erupt, along with “extreme fire behavior.''
“This is the time to get set with assembling your emergency supply kit and knowing your evacuation route,'' according to the NWS.
The bulk of Orange County will also be under a red flag warning during the same hours, with wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph anticipated in Santa Ana Mountain canyons, and humidity levels of 7 to 12%.
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