Firefighters Prepare for First Santa Ana Wind Event of Wildfire Season

Low humidity, gusts up to 40 mph expected

By Sam Catanzaro

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts the first Santa Ana wind event of the 2019/2020 wildfire season will start late night Monday, September 23, lasting into the morning of Wednesday, September 25, with strongest winds expected on Tuesday.

During this first Santa Ana wind event, NWS expects the area could potentially experience elevated, brief critical fire weather conditions, with the potential for large fire growth with extreme fire behavior.

Projected Wind Speeds:

L.A. and Ventura Counties mountain areas: north-northeast 15-30 mph with gusts to 40 mph

L.A. and Ventura Counties valleys: north-northeast 10-25 mph with gusts to 35 mph

L.A. and Ventura Counties coastal areas:  north-northeast 10-20 mph

Minimum Humidities: 8-15% Tuesday, and 12-25% Wednesday

Max Temperatures: 90-102 degrees Tuesday, and 87-99 degrees Wednesday

Currently, fuel moisture levels in the Santa Monica Mountains are higher than average for this time of year, which reduces the risk of wildfire, according to the L.A. County Fire Department, which regularly monitors fuel moisture levels. The NWS said that there is still some uncertainty whether offshore winds will reach coastal areas of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

“This time of year has produced some of the largest, most destructive and deadliest fires on record,” said Lucas Spelman of CAL FIRE.

The City of Malibu, City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and the L.A. County Fire Department (County Fire) are closely monitoring fire conditions, and the Fire Department is deploying additional resources in the Malibu area. Malibu and LA will send out emergency and weather alerts and post announcements on social media and the website as conditions warrant. 

Residents are advised to monitor the weather on local news such as KNX AM 1070 and KBUU FM 99.1, as well as the National Weather Service at www.Weather.gov/LOX. Residents should also review their family emergency and evacuation plans, check their “go bags” and emergency supplies to ensure food, water, medication and batteries have not expired, and read the L.A. County Fire Department’s “Ready, Set, GO!” guide at www.Fire.LACounty.gov/RSG.

in Fire, News
Related Posts

(Video) ‘World’s Strongest Man’ Champion Pulls Big Blue Bus for 30 feet

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

World-class strongman Martins Licis pulled a 34,680‑pound, 35-feet long, battery electric bus through the Pier to set off Pier 360...

Proposed Rebuilding Authority for Wildfire Recovery Sparks Local Control Debate

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Plan Aims to Streamline Rebuilding but Raises Questions Over Community Input A proposed “Resilient Rebuilding Authority” to oversee recovery from...

Marquez Students Rebuild Robots Destroyed in Fire, Shine at National and World Competitions

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Community and Coaches Rally Behind Young Innovators Elementary students from Marquez Charter Elementary School rebuilt their robots after they were...

Second Victim Killed Alongside LAPD Sergeant in Brentwood 405 Crash Identified

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Authorities Confirm Garcia, 34, Died at the Scene, GoFundMe Launched  Authorities have identified the civilian who was killed alongside a...

Why Nordstrom Says It’s Closing Its Santa Monica Place Location

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

A Nordstrom spokesperson explained the closure as a strategic realignment Nordstrom confirmed its decision to close its Santa Monica store...

People are Using Palisades for “Disaster Tours.” Local Officials Are Trying to Stop Them

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

A new motion introduced to City Council requests a coordinated strategy from LADOT, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the...

LAUSD Approves $604 Million Plan to Rebuild Fire-Damaged Palisades Schools

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The reconstruction, set to conclude by the end of 2028, aims to restore facilities for approximately 3,620 students across the...

Free Virtual Planetarium Shows Coming to SMC in July

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The virtual format is in place as construction of the new SMC Planetarium and Observatory nears completion The Santa Monica...

Six-Bed Mar Vista Hilltop Home Under Construction Lists for $5.3M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The private backyard is complete with a pool, spa, fire pit, built-in BBQ, and areas for outdoor dining A stunning...

(Video) Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction of Palisades Wildfires

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

With the reopening also comes a new exhibit, “The Kingdom of Pylos” Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction...

Three-Bed Palisades Highlands Townhouse Hits Market for $1.7M

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The Mediterranean-style property, located at 1529 Michael Lane, is part of a 71-unit community A remodeled 1,919-square-foot townhouse in the...

LAPD Updates Immigration FAQ to Clarify Enforcement Role

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The document, available in English and Spanish, outlines the department’s policies and limits regarding immigration status The Los Angeles Police...

Three Santa Monica College Student Films Selected for International Film Festival

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The LA Shorts International Film Festival, the city’s longest-running shorts festival, screens over 350 films annually and draws 10,000 attendees...

Washington Square Pizza Opens to the Public

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

New York Style Pizza “By-The-Slice” Now at the Beach By Nick Antonicello  Washington Square Pizza formally opened its doors today...

Park: “Our Water Infrastructure Must Be Emergency-Ready Every Day”

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Councilwoman expressed cautious relief at the news but emphasized the need for robust infrastructure The Los Angeles Department of Water...

Comments
Leave a Reply