Southern California is bracing for another round of powerful Santa Ana winds early this week, further complicating efforts to contain the devastating wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles and Ventura counties. AccuWeather forecasters warn the winds could rival last week’s destructive gusts, which fueled the rapid spread of the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst Fires.
Meteorologists predict that a combination of high-pressure systems over the West and a trough offshore will generate intense offshore winds beginning Monday.
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These winds, gusting between 60-80 mph in areas like Ventura and Santa Clarita, could peak with an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 100 mph in mountainous regions surrounding Los Angeles.
“The magnitude and timing of the most intense wind gusts next week will depend on the location of a storm off the Pacific Coast,” said Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Forecaster.
Firefighters, already battling challenging conditions, are likely to face increased difficulties as the strong winds and dry air create the perfect environment for wildfires to spread.
Adding to the danger, humidity levels are forecasted to remain critically low, hovering between 20-30% through early next week. Combined with parched vegetation, the conditions will provide abundant fuel for wildfires.
“Dating back to April of last year, Los Angeles has not yet crested the 1-inch mark for rainfall. This is a period when downtown L.A. typically receives between 5-6 inches of rain,” said Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist.
READ: Los Angeles Fire Chief Details How ‘Devastating’ Cuts Led To ‘Horrific’ Wildfire
Unfortunately, no significant rainfall is expected in the region through the rest of January, leaving the dry landscape vulnerable to ignition and rapid fire growth.
The renewed wind threat comes as firefighting crews continue to battle the devastating blazes. The fires have already claimed multiple lives, destroyed thousands of homes, and displaced tens of thousands of residents. More than 14,000 firefighters and hundreds of aircraft are currently deployed in the region.
“This next wave of Santa Ana winds could further hamper containment efforts and push the fire front into new, vulnerable areas,” said a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Forecasters suggest that winds may temporarily subside late Tuesday into Wednesday. However, a potential shift in wind direction to an onshore pattern midweek could bring slightly higher humidity levels, providing a glimmer of hope for firefighters.
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“The wind could subside from late Tuesday into Wednesday. However, the wind could change direction and increase again midweek, this time onshore, which should increase humidity levels some,” Pastelok explained.
With Red Flag Warnings in effect and conditions expected to remain dangerous, authorities urge residents to stay vigilant and adhere to evacuation orders. Those returning to fire-affected areas should exercise caution, as debris and unstable structures remain hazards.
As Southern California faces yet another test of resilience, officials and forecasters stress the importance of preparation and continued cooperation to combat the relentless wildfire threat.
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