Southern California residents face a severe wildfire threat as powerful Santa Ana winds with gusts up to 80 mph are expected to sweep through Los Angeles and Ventura counties starting Monday night through Wednesday evening.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Los Angeles has issued a "Particularly Dangerous Situation" Fire Weather Warning for the Santa Ana wind corridor, marking an exceptionally high risk for rapid fire spread.
Weather experts warn this wind event could match the intensity of early November's Mountain Fire, which devastated nearly 20,000 acres and destroyed approximately 250 structures in Ventura County.
The most critical period will occur from late Monday night through Wednesday, with wind gusts reaching 60-80 mph combined with single-digit humidity levels. Areas including Santa Clarita, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Moorpark, and Santa Paula face the highest risk.
Unlike typical Santa Ana patterns, this event will feature more easterly winds, potentially affecting areas that usually escape the strongest gusts. This unusual wind direction may also create hazardous conditions in Avalon Harbor.
In response to the threat, San Diego Gas & Electric has warned customers about possible preventive power shutoffs to reduce fire risks from downed power lines. The Los Angeles Fire Department urges residents to avoid using spark-creating equipment outdoors during this period.
CAL Fire officials emphasize that residents in warning areas should prepare for immediate evacuation if necessary, as any new fires could spread rapidly with extreme behavior under these conditions.
The Santa Ana winds, which flow from the Santa Ana Mountains bringing hot, dry air, typically occur during fall and winter months. This week's combination of powerful winds and extremely low humidity creates ideal conditions for dangerous fire spread.
Local authorities recommend maintaining defensible space around properties and having evacuation plans ready as the region faces this heightened fire danger through midweek.