While the Santa Ana winds are widely known for fueling fires in Southern California, their equally hazardous counterpart, the Diablo winds, wreak havoc in the northern part of the state. These scorching, dry, and forceful winds descend upon Northern California, particularly during the autumn season, posing a significant wildfire threat. Originating from high pressure systems over the Great Basin that push air towards the lower-pressure coastal areas, these winds gain intensity as they descend over the Sierra Nevada and Coast Ranges. The air compression, heating, and drying create ideal conditions for wildfires to ignite.
The moniker “Diablo winds” is derived from Mount Diablo, a prominent peak in the San Francisco Bay Area. Early weather observers and firefighters noted the passage of these potent winds through the region, leading to their ominous name. Reflecting their destructive power, the name “Diablo,” meaning “devil” in Spanish, underscores their ability to rapidly spread fires and impede firefighting efforts.
Similar to the Santa Ana winds in the south, Diablo winds can exceed speeds of 70 mph. Coupled with extremely low humidity and desiccated vegetation, these winds can transform a picturesque California day into a fiery disaster within moments. Infamous for their role in some of California’s most devastating wildfires, such as the Tubbs Fire in 2017 and the Kincade Fire in 2019, Diablo winds underscore the heightened wildfire risks exacerbated by climate change-induced vegetation dryness and extended fire seasons.
As California grapples with these natural weather patterns, Diablo winds remain a critical focus for wildfire preparedness and response strategies in the state. Jennifer Gray, a dedicated weather and climate writer for weather.com, has been at the forefront of covering major global weather and climate events for over two decades.
