Los Angeles forecast warns of more fire danger from Santa Ana winds
At least six separate wildfires were burning in Los Angeles County on Thursday morning, and winds were forecast to pick up again during the day, forecasters said, which could further fan the flames.
Even though winds have subsided compared to the peak of the Santa Ana wind event Tuesday and Wednesday, the concern for Thursday is that winds will increase again during the midday and afternoon hours, AccuWeather said.
According to the National Weather Service, on Thursday, north to northeast wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph will be common across the typical Santa Ana wind locations, strongest across the mountains and foothills. For Thursday night and Friday, winds will be slightly stronger, with gusts of 40 to 55 mph, and isolated gusts up to 70 mph possible in some foothills and peaks.
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Risk for fires at critical level
The winds will keep the risk for fires at a critical level and make conditions for fighting the fires both by ground and air difficult, AccuWeather said. There will also be widespread areas of smoke from the fires, which will make for very poor air quality downwind of the blazes.
The wind is expected to quickly subside early Friday, with the rest of the day ending up relatively tame compared to recent days, AccuWeather said.
Red flag warnings still in effect
Red Flag Warnings remain in effect through Friday evening for much of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties dueto gusty offshore winds and low humidities, the National Weather Service said. Widespread humidity levels of 10 and 20 percent are expected through Friday, with humidities locally down to 5 percent at times.
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly.