Just as firefighters were making progress in containing the devastating wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles County, a new threat emerges: the return of powerful Santa Ana winds.
AccuWeather meteorologists are warning of a resurgence of these dry, offshore winds at the start of the week, raising concerns that the fires could reignite and spread rapidly.
A strong high-pressure system over the Rocky Mountains will drive strong offshore winds across Southern California, creating conditions ripe for wildfire ignition and spread.
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“Any fire that starts in the areas will be difficult, to impossible, to control,” warned AccuWeather California Expert Ken Clark.
Santa Ana winds are expected to increase throughout Monday, with damaging gusts of 60 to 80 mph possible in the mountain regions surrounding Los Angeles. Gusty winds of 40 to 60 mph are also expected across Ventura and San Diego counties.
The wind threat is forecast to persist through Tuesday before decreasing later in the evening. However, a lesser Santa Ana wind event is possible from Wednesday night to Thursday night.
In addition to the fire risk, experts warn that air quality remains a concern. Strong winds can easily pick up ash from the thousands of destroyed structures, creating a health hazard.
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Forecasters predict a continued dry pattern for the remainder of January, with minimal rain chances in the Los Angeles area. While some rain is possible in late January and mid-February, it may not be enough to alleviate the dry conditions.
Temperatures in Los Angeles are expected to rise into the upper 70s by mid-to-late week before declining again next weekend.
The Palisades and Eaton fires are still active in Los Angeles County. On Sunday, the Palisades Fire was 52% contained, and the Eaton Fire was 81% contained.
This renewed threat of strong winds underscores the ongoing challenges faced by firefighters and residents in Southern California. The potential for new fires or the re-ignition of existing fires remains high, and vigilance is crucial in the days ahead.
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