The first significant Santa Ana wind event of the season is set to drive up temperatures and deliver gusty conditions to some areas over the next two days, raising the possibility of wildfires.
A red flag warning of critical fire conditions will be in effect from 6 a.m. Tuesday until 6 p.m. Wednesday in the western San Gabriel Mountains, as well as southeastern Ventura County Valleys and the Santa Susana Mountains.
Forecasters said those areas could experience wind gusts of up to 45 mph, with humidity falling as low as 8% Tuesday and 5% Wednesday.
The warmest temperatures in coastal areas are expected on Tuesday, while interior areas will see their warmest conditions on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters said high temperatures will be in the 80s and 90s across much of the region, which is roughly 10 to 15 degrees above normal.
“Can’t rule out some record highs those days, though temperatures would have to be in the higher range of what’s expected as records are in the low to mid 90s away from the immediate coast,” according to the NWS. “Downtown LA and other intermediate areas will likely see similarly hot temps both days. With this in mind a Heat Advisory remains in effect for much of the coast and valleys of LA/Ventura counties. Anyone planning outdoor activities those days, including attending the World Series, should be prepared for unusually hot and dry conditions.”
A heat advisory will be in effect from 10 a.m. Tuesday through 7 p.m. Wednesday for Los Angeles County beaches, the Palos Verdes Hills, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational area, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys and the inland coastal area stretching to downtown Los Angeles, as well as the Orange County inland area.
Winds are expected to pick up significantly Tuesday morning in areas typically prone to Santa Ana gusts. A wind advisory will be in effect in the Santa Clarita Valley from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, along with the western San Gabriel Mountains and the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) Freeway corridors.
“Wind gusts of 30-40 mph will be common across these areas, but isolated gusts of 45 mph is not out of the question at this time,” forecasters said. “Another round of Santa Ana winds will be possible on Wednesday as well, though at this time not quite as strong as on Tuesday.”
Santa Ana conditions are expected to weaken later in the weak, but forecasters said temperatures will likely remain above normal into the weekend.
Prompted by the elevated temperatures and strong winds, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement the Office of Public Safety is coordinating with the Emergency Management Department, as well as the fire, police and recreation and parks departments, to ensure they are ready to respond as needed.
The city has hundreds of locations open for heat relief, such as recreation and parks facilities and local library branches. For locations and hours of operations, information is available at laparks.org/reccenter and lapl.org/branches.
Angelenos can also call 3-1-1 from within the city to learn more, as well as sign up to receive adverse weather alerts on their phones at NotifyLA.org.
“Our city departments remain prepared to keep Angelenos safe and to respond to any needs ahead of the expected high temperatures beginning (Tuesday). Especially as we cheer on the Dodgers, I encourage all residents to stay hydrated, check in on your neighbors, and take advantage of the resources available citywide to help keep you cool and safe,” Bass said in a statement.