A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through 8 p.m. Sunday for most of the Southland as winds whip through the region, making conditions even worse for crews battling the massive Thomas Fire burning in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
In Ventura and Los Angeles counties, Santa Ana winds are expected to bring gusts between 35 and 55 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
The three major fires in Los Angeles County in the Bel Air area, near Sylmar and in Santa Clarita, are all contained or extinguished. But the danger of a new monster blaze was increased due to the pre-Christmas hot, dry winds.
Winds will be strongest and most widespread through the morning, then decreasing and becoming more localized during the afternoon and evening. Expect strong periods of gusty northeast winds along and below coastal mountain slopes and passes and canyons today, the agency warned.
Dry conditions persist, with relative humidity dropping to 10 to 15 percent across much of the region.
“A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are expected. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Use extreme caution when using potential fire ignition sources,” The NWS advised.
–Staff