Santa Ana Winds Intensify Southern California Fires

Southern California is bracing for a resurgence of strong Santa Ana winds, which are expected to exacerbate ongoing wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton fires. The National Weather Service has issued red flag advisories, predicting wind gusts between 55 and 70 mph from Monday through at least Wednesday, raising concerns about rapid fire spread and extreme behavior if ignition occurs. The winds, which typically come from the Great Basin and cause significant increases in temperature and decreases in humidity, are particularly detrimental this year due to a lack of rainfall and unusually strong gusts. In San Diego County, residents are preparing for possible power shutoffs as fire weather conditions worsen, with nearly 60,000 residents at risk. The situation has invoked criticism of local leaders for their handling of fire preparedness and response, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by the region's fire-prone conditions. Overall, these weather patterns continue to create a perilous environment for communities across Southern California.