Santa Ana winds are expected to weaken across Los Angeles County Saturday following a day of powerful gusts, but critical fire dangers will persist through much of the day because of continued hot, dry and windy conditions.
Red flag warnings will remain in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday across much of the county, with forecasters warning that low humidity, high temperatures and lingering offshore winds could allow wildfires to spread rapidly.
“By Saturday, offshore winds are expected to be 10 to 15 mph weaker in most areas as (compared) to (Friday), mainly due to less upper level wind support,” according to the National Weather Service.
Winds gusted primarily between 50 and 70 mph in Los Angeles County mountains Friday, while coastal and valley areas experienced gusts of 35 to 55 mph, according to forecasters. The winds were accompanied by temperatures reaching 90 to 100 degrees in many coastal and valley areas, along with low humidity levels.
Red flag warnings cover the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area, San Gabriel Mountains, the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) freeway corridors, Antelope Valley foothills, Malibu Coast, Calabasas and the Santa Clarita, San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys.
Wind advisories will also remain in effect until 2 p.m. Saturday for the Malibu Coast, Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys, Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area, San Gabriel Mountains and the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) freeway corridors.
Forecasters expect offshore winds to drop below advisory levels by Saturday night, with onshore conditions returning Sunday into Monday.
In the meantime, however, critical fire danger will continue through much of Saturday.
“Residents in high fire risk areas should be prepared in case a fire starts. Review your evacuation plans … what would you bring, where would you go. Stay extra aware of your surroundings. Make sure your vehicle is fueled up. For everyone, avoid using anything that could spark a fire. Be prepared for power outages that are likely over a good portion of our areas,” according to the NWS.
The hot, dry and windy conditions prompted Southern California Edison to implement public safety power shutoffs to reduce the risk of power lines sparking wildfires.
According to SCE’s website, nearly 58,000 customers in Los Angeles County had their power cut because of safety concerns as of Friday afternoon, while another 59,000 customers were being considered for possible shutoffs.
The number of customers affected by outages could change Saturday as wind conditions improve.
The NWS also cautioned drivers about dangerous crosswinds, particularly on elevated roadways.
Temperatures along the coast are expected to begin cooling Saturday, followed by a more widespread cooling trend Sunday.
Additional cooling is expected Monday, when temperatures could fall another 4 to 8 degrees, bringing highs closer to seasonal averages.
Forecasters also said confidence is increasing that a storm system could bring rain to Southern California next week, most likely beginning Wednesday, although precipitation could arrive as early as Tuesday afternoon.
Rainfall amounts remain uncertain, but many forecast scenarios indicate around a half-inch of rain across the region, with some projecting an inch or more.