New Delhi: Gusty Santa Ana winds are expected to persist over the coming days in southern California, raising concerns of wildfires further intensifying in the region. The strongest winds are anticipated to hit early next week, with a peak expected on Monday night through Tuesday.
While the wind event is forecast to be strong, meteorologists, including AccuWeather’s senior meteorologist Heather Zehr, have assured that it won’t replicate the extreme gusts of up to 100 mph experienced earlier this week, according to reports. Despite this, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for critical fire conditions due to the combination of wind and low humidity, particularly in coastal areas and mountain foothills.
Tuesday will see the strongest winds
The NWS predicts that Tuesday will see the strongest winds, with gusts expected to reach up to 60 mph in mountainous areas, and up to 50 mph in coasts and valleys. The region has already been battling deadly wildfires, and experts caution that any new sparks could quickly escalate into large blazes. The lack of rain and dry conditions have compounded the risk of fire spread, with no major rainfall expected over the next several days.
Firefighters are receiving a brief respite as wind speeds dip slightly through Saturday, but the situation is expected to worsen again from Sunday into Wednesday. In addition to the wind, air quality concerns persist as smoke from ongoing fires may linger due to light winds. Many areas of southern California are under air quality alerts, with the potential for unhealthy levels of pollution.
What is Santa Ana winds?
The Santa Ana winds are a known hazard during southern California’s dry winter months, but this year’s fire season has been particularly perilous. Meteorologists have advised residents to stay alert to updates and take precautions, such as avoiding outdoor burning, securing defensible space around homes, and ensuring vehicles are in good condition before driving near brush areas.
