Santa Ana Winds Forecast to Churn Up in Southern California This Week

Posted: December 12, 2023 9:21 am

The Santa Ana winds are predicted to return to Southern California by the middle of this week, raising the risk of wildfires throughout the region. Here is what you need to know about the forecast timing and intensity of this event.

Santa Ana Winds Gearing Up to Whip Across Southern California This Week

Forecasters are warning that a potentially dangerous Santa Ana wind event could hit Southern California this week. While the winds on their own are not typically that concerning, the dry conditions across the region will increase the risk of fire danger as the gusts overtake the area. The winds will begin to howl just a few days after the Santa Anas struck the same general area this past weekend.

These winds are distinguished by their ability to pick up speed and size as they push from the inland desert area toward the coast. Santa Anas are most likely to occur during the fall and winter seasons.

It has been a dry few weeks throughout the bulk of Southern California. For instance, no measurable rain has been recorded in the city of Los Angeles since November 18. These dry conditions, lower than average humidity levels, and the onset of the Santa Ana winds could provide the fuel for wildfire ignition and spread. These types of winds are particularly dry because they originate in the arid desert area of the Golden State.

Meteorologists predict that a storm system that is currently moving from the Rocky Mountain region and into the central Plains will trigger the winds in Southern California, providing a perfect example of the butterfly effect of seemingly unreleased weather events.

Timing and Intensity of This Week’s Santa Ana Winds

The greatest risk of wildfire danger will be between late Tuesday and into Wednesday as the winds are forecast to pick up speed in the mountains and valleys of both Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Residents should be aware of these risks through at least early Thursday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Oxnard is warning residents to be careful when parking vehicles on dry grass. It is also important to not leave grills unattended when in use. Additionally, this is not the time to burn trash or brush.

How windy will it get? Forecasters are predicting winds to hit between 30 and 40 mph with a few isolated high gusts a good possibility. The highest wind speeds are forecast for the top elevations of the region.

These winds could trigger minor structure damage as well as make travel difficult for high-profile vehicles. Motorists will want to exercise caution when traveling along the open areas of interstates 5, 10, and 15 in Southern California.

The Santa Ana winds are expected to ease by later Thursday, ushering in a period of calmer conditions. Other than the winds, it will be a largely pleasant week in this part of the state. Los Angeles will enjoy temperatures in the low to mid 70s along with a mix of sun and clouds. It will be slightly cooler moving inland to places such as Valencia. San Diego will see the mercury settle in the low to mid 60s on Tuesday and Wednesday before inching back up into the 70s to close out the week.

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