A new round of Santa Ana winds is predicted to hit Southern California early next week, following the recent devastating fires that ravaged parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, resulting in multiple fatalities. AccuWeather forecasters caution that a trough forming offshore from Southern California, in conjunction with high pressure situated over the West, is setting the stage for dry, offshore winds from Monday through Wednesday.
The intensity and timing of the upcoming wind gusts will hinge on the location of a storm off the Pacific Coast, as explained by AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Forecaster Paul Pastelok. While this forthcoming period of strong winds is not expected to match the severity of the initial event that fueled the rapid spread of the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst Fires, gusts ranging from 40 to 60 mph could still occur.
Even winds of this strength can greatly impede firefighting efforts and contribute to the swift expansion of ongoing blazes. AccuWeather’s Local StormMax™ for this wind event stands at 85 mph, with the highest likelihood of occurrence in the elevated terrain and mountains encompassing the Los Angeles basin.
Pastelok noted that the winds are anticipated to be gusty from the northeast-to-east direction early next week, with humidity levels remaining low. Relative humidity is forecasted to generally linger below 20-30% across much of Southern California during this time frame. The arid conditions, coupled with the return of blustery weather, spell a continued heightened fire risk throughout the region.
Forecasters underscore the urgent need for moisture in the parched landscape, which has primed the region for the extensive fueling of fires. Los Angeles, for example, has recorded less than an inch of rainfall since April of the previous year, a stark contrast to the typical 5-6 inches expected during this period, according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.
Regrettably, areas across the Southwest and sections of the South Central states are projected to remain below historical rainfall averages for the remainder of January. As the threat of strong winds looms over Southern California early next week, forecasters are also keeping a close eye on the potential for another surge of winds later on, albeit with slightly higher moisture levels.
Pastelok highlighted the possibility of winds subsiding by the middle of the week, only to resurge from a different direction with increased humidity levels. While this adjustment may provide some relief, the overall fire risk persists due to the prevailing dry conditions in the region.
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