Southern California residents should brace for another round of powerful winds in the coming days, as a new weather system moves into the region. This incoming storm is anticipated to be more intense than last week's event, which saw gusts reaching 40 mph and caused scattered power outages.
According to Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Los Angeles, widespread north to northwest wind gusts between 35 and 60 mph are expected. In particularly wind-prone areas, there's a 30% chance that gusts could reach up to 60 or 70 mph.
The timing of these strong winds will vary across different parts of Southern California:
- Santa Barbara can expect the winds to pick up from Sunday into Monday
- Ventura County will likely experience the strongest gusts from Wednesday into Thursday
- Los Angeles County may see high winds throughout the entire period
As the week progresses, the wind direction is expected to shift from northwest to northeast. This change could potentially increase fire risks in the region, as northeasterly winds tend to bring drier air conditions that are more conducive to fire spread.
However, there is a silver lining to this weather system. The incoming cold air mass may help mitigate some of the fire danger. Additionally, there's a slight chance of light showers or drizzle on Monday and Tuesday, which could provide some much-needed moisture to the area.
Residents are advised to stay informed about local weather updates and take necessary precautions to secure outdoor items that could be affected by strong winds. It's also wise to be prepared for possible power outages and to remain vigilant about fire safety during this period of increased risk.