Southern California Santa Ana winds create a dangerous fire day for southern California

A potentially dangerous fire day is shaping up for parts of southern California. This afternoon and evening will feature critical fire conditions as strong gusty winds, paired with low humidity and warm temperatures plague the region. These strong, gusty winds are known as Santa Ana winds, which will gust between 40 to 60 mph. The winds come from inland areas, so this acts to drastically drop the humidity. Today’s humidity is expected to drop down to 2% in some areas. These conditions will allow for fires to rapidly spread once initiated.

Parts of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Burbank, and San Diego are areas of concern this afternoon and evening. The fire danger continues into Friday afternoon and evening with elevated fire conditions expected.

Areas of critical fire weather are ongoing this morning in southern California and will continue into the afternoon. Elevated conditions can be expected into tomorrow (11/26). Strong wind gusts and widespread very low humidity will continue to support rapid fire spread. #cawx pic.twitter.com/cG9CjtShh0

— NWS Storm Prediction Center (@NWSSPC) November 25, 2021