Santa Ana Winds Raise Fire Danger Across Southern California

Santa Ana winds and dry, warm conditions are forecast to raise wildfire danger across parts of Southern California, prompting Red Flag Warnings and preparations by fire agencies and local officials. The warnings cover areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, but the timing and severity vary by location. The National Weather Service’s warning for the mountains of Los Angeles and Ventura counties is in effect from 6 a.m. Thursday, October 15, to 10 p.m. Friday, October 16. It forecasts northeast to east winds of 20 to 40 mph, gusts of 50 to 70 mph and minimum humidity commonly between 8% and 20%. The agency says critical fire-weather conditions could support extreme fire behavior if a new fire starts. Other reported warning periods cover broader areas or extend later. Some of the windiest locations may retain Red Flag conditions into Saturday, according to the weather service. Forecasts describe winds developing Thursday and peaking from Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon, then weakening over the weekend. The risk is expected to be uneven rather than uniform across the region.