The National Weather Service in San Diego has warned of critical fire weather conditions starting this evening through Sunday for parts of Southern California, encompassing portions of Orange County, the Inland Empire, and the San Bernardino Mountains. Another threat looms with another round of Santa Ana winds forecasted for late Monday through Wednesday. According to the NWS San Diego's synopsis, the forecast for the latter half of the week remains uncertain. However, there is a glimmer for below-average temperatures and increased cloud cover by the weekend.
A closer look at the impending conditions reveals that weaker winds and clear skies have led to cooler temperatures as the surface high builds over the Great Basin, positioning for gusty north to northeast Santa Ana winds through Sunday. The NWS San Diego Twitter post specifies, "Critical fire WX conditions return to parts of Orange, San Bernardino, & Riverside Sat evening to Sun evening." Peak winds are expected to predominantly affect the mountain foothills, with gusts ranging from 45-55 mph. The escalation of offshore winds is slated to pick up Saturday into Sunday.
N/NE offshore winds start to pick up late Sat morning in parts of Orange Co & the IE. Winds strengthen & spread to rest of the mountains & foothills late Sat into Sun. Critical fire WX conditions return to parts of Orange, San Bernardino, & Riverside Sat evening to Sun evening. pic.twitter.com/NJ45oDlw3r
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) January 11, 2025
In the marine sphere, conditions remain stable, with no hazardous maritime activity expected through Wednesday. However, the skies above will not be so clear-cut; as Santa Ana winds rekindle, low humidity and persistent offshore flows will elevate the fire risks inland. "Weak to locally moderate northerly Santa Ana winds develop again by late this morning, peaking late tonight into early Sunday morning before quickly weakening Sunday afternoon," reported NWS San Diego. These winds may bring critical dryness and amplify fire danger in vulnerable regions.
Looking ahead to the forthcoming week, the offshore wind pattern is expected to endure, generating concern for more robust Santa Ana winds into early next week. The merger of these gusts with anticipated low humidity presents an ongoing risk for wildfire ignition and spread. "Another round of Santa Ana winds is expected Monday through Wednesday," NWS San Diego foreshadows.
