Powerful Santa Ana winds reached their peak Friday across Los Angeles County, but while the gusty conditions were expected to improve, high fire danger will continue into Saturday thanks to low humidity and high heat.
“The offshore winds will gradually subside in strength and areal coverage later (Friday) afternoon into (Friday night),” according to the National Weather Service. “By Saturday, offshore winds are expected to be 10 to 15 mph weaker in most areas as (compared) to today, mainly due to less upper level wind support.”
According to forecasters, winds gusted primarily between 50 and 70 mph in Los Angeles County mountains Friday, while coastal and valley areas saw gusts of 35 to 55 mph. The winds were accompanied by temperatures reaching between 90 and 100 degrees in many coastal and valley areas, along with low humidity levels.
Red flag warnings for critical fire danger will remain in effect for much of Los Angeles County until 8 p.m. Saturday, thanks to the combination of gusting winds, high temperatures and low humidity.
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, the Malibu Coast, Calabasas and the Santa Clarita, San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys.
The NWS also issued wind advisories through 2 p.m. Saturday for the Malibu Coast, the Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area, the San Gabriel Mountains and the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) freeway corridors. Forecasters said they 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 be in place through much of the day 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 have also 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 due to safety concerns as of Friday afternoon, and 59,000 others in the county were being considered for possible power shutoffs.
The NWS also cautioned drivers about dangerous crosswinds, particularly on elevated roadways.
Temperatures along the coast should 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.