As Southern California braces for a pair of Santa Ana wind events, residents are alert for elevated to critical fire weather conditions. National Weather Service San Diego warns of gusty winds and arid conditions starting this afternoon and continuing into the early part of the week. The strongest winds are expected in the Santa Ana Mountains, San Bernardino Mountains, and portions of Inland Empire and Orange County.
The first wave of winds follows a weekend storm system and is predicted to cause minor damage owing to gusts between 30-45 MPH - with local areas experiencing winds up to 55 MPH. "Strong winds may cause minor damage and fire weather risk will be elevated to critical," says the National Weather Service, particularly in the wind-favored areas such as passes and canyons.
Apart from the wind threat, temperatures across the region are projected to stay below average, with a slight warming trend and sunnier skies by Sunday. However, despite the cooler weather, the dryness paired with heavy gusts elevates the potential for fire incidents, a situation the region knows all too well.
The brief interlude on Tuesday, where weak onshore flow is expected, appears to be a calming spell before another round of Santa Ana winds grips the area by Wednesday. According to the National Weather Service San Diego discussions, these mid-week winds "will lead to elevated to near critical fire weather conditions as gusty northeast winds are expected." Winds should subside by Thursday, giving way to temperate, windless conditions next weekend.
Regarding the looming Santa Ana events, authorities have issued Red Flag Warnings for certain areas starting Sunday evening through Monday. Additionally, Wind Advisories have been implemented for Orange County Inland Areas and the Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills. The San Diego County Deserts and Mountains will also be under a Wind Advisory until early Monday morning. Mariners were also advised of strong northwesterly winds in the outer waters, where a Small Craft Advisory has been extended until late this evening.
