Santa Ana winds and dangerous fire conditions return to SoCal

LOS ANGELES – Santa Ana winds are expected to blow through Southern California this week, creating dangerous fire conditions across much of the region.

The strongest winds are expected in Los Angeles and Ventura counties Sunday evening through Monday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

“Northeasterly winds with gusts of 55-80 MPH in the mountains and 35-55 MPH over the valleys are expected at the height of the Santa Ana event,” forecasters said.

“With the strong winds, relative humidity will drop into the upper 20s and low 20s. The strong winds and low humidity, combined with critically dry fuels, will lead to widespread critical fire conditions in many areas of Ventura and Los Angeles counties, resulting in Red Flag Warnings. If a fire breaks out, the fire will likely develop quickly.”

Strong advisory-level winds are forecast in the western San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley, the Santa Clarita Valley and Hwy 14 corridor, parts of the Conejo Valley and the Santa Monica Mountains.

According to the NWS, winds are expected to decrease Monday afternoon through Tuesday.