After a week of often-oppressive heat, cooler temperatures began to give the Southland a cool-down Wednesday, but forecasters warned that the fire danger will remain elevated in some areas due to continued dry conditions.
A red flag warning of heightened fire danger will remain in effect until 10 a.m. Thursday in the eastern San Gabriel Mountains and the Antelope Valley foothills. National Weather Service forecasters said humidity levels will improve slightly, but it will remain dry enough to elevate the risk of wildfire.
Winds, meanwhile, could gust up to 35 mph in higher elevations and interior mountain slopes.
“With the ongoing Bridge Fire, the environment remains favorable for rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior which will continue to threaten life and property,” according to the NWS.
Overall, however, much of the Southland experienced cooler weather Wednesday thanks to a low-pressure system moving through to the north and increasing on-shore flow. Forecasters said temperatures will be 3 to 6 degrees below normal through Saturday.
The bad news will be the gusty winds anticipated in many areas, including the Antelope Valley. Forecasters said the eastern San Gabriel Mountains — where the massive Bridge Fire is burning — could see winds gusting to about 30 mph Wednesday evening. However, “much lighter winds are expected in all areas Thursday and Friday,” according to the NWS.
“Early next week an even colder/deeper trough will move through the area bringing additional cooling and even a possibility of light showers,” forecasters said. “Temperatures on Monday are expected to be 10-15 degrees below normal with highs only in the upper 60s to mid 70s area-wide.”