Red Flag Warning: Winds to 45 MPH, Humidity Under 20%
Southern California faces elevated fire risk this weekend as offshore winds dry out the air and push temperatures 10 degrees above average.
By Matthew Collins ·
Southern California residents should expect hotter and drier conditions this weekend as a red flag wildfire weather warning takes effect. The warning runs from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, covering the Santa Clarita Valley, Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Susana Mountains, and western San Gabriel Mountains.
Meteorologists forecast northeast winds at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching 45 mph or higher. Relative humidity is projected to drop to between 8% and 20% in those areas. This combination of strong wind and low moisture significantly increases the danger of wildfire ignition and spread.
A high pressure system located to the west is driving the warming trend. This pattern causes Santa Ana winds to develop, pushing air from the mountains toward the coast. The compression of this air mass raises temperatures across the region.
Los Angeles County areas in the coastal and valley zones are expected to reach the upper 70s and 80s on Saturday. Many locations will run 5 to 10 degrees above normal temperatures for both Saturday and Sunday. Orange County will see high temperatures climb into the low and mid-80s on Friday, then rise to the mid to upper 80s over the weekend.
NBC4 meteorologist Belen De Leon explained that the offshore winds will lower humidity and increase fire risk. While these winds will not affect every area, they will be strong enough to dry out the air in wind-prone zones. In Orange County, gusts of 25 to 40 mph are possible on Saturday, with a 10% chance of gusts reaching 35 to 50 mph.
A Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect through Tuesday morning for Catalina Island, the Malibu coast, and Los Angeles County beaches. Residents and visitors should expect dangerous rip currents and breaking waves up to 4 to 6 feet. High tides will build each morning, peaking Sunday and Monday at heights of 7.2 to 7.6 feet.
The warm and dry weather is expected to last through Sunday. The offshore flow will weaken by Tuesday, bringing a gradual cooling trend. However, temperatures are forecast to remain above normal through Wednesday.
