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Strongest wind event in months expected in California

Author Bill GabbertPosted on Categories UncategorizedTags ,

Prediction for gusts over 60 mph Monday night and Tuesday

Weather forecast for the Santa Clarita wind red flag warning
Weather forecast for the Santa Clarita area north of Los Angeles, January 18 through 20, 2021. NWS.

Conditions in Southern California are setting up for what is being called “the strongest wind event of the season.” Red Flag Warnings are in effect in the greater Los Angeles area from Monday evening to 4 a.m. Wednesday. Forecasters are predicting strong damaging winds, with gusts to 60 mph that could blow down large objects such as trees and power lines.

The forecast for the Santa Clarita area north of Los Angeles calls for sustained winds Monday night of 22 to 41 mph gusting at 32 to 61 mph, with the strongest gusts after midnight. On Tuesday winds will continue to gust around 60 and then taper off Tuesday night to the 40s. During daylight hours the relative humidity will be in the low 20s through Wednesday.

This could lead to large wildland fires that are very resistant to control.

Let’s be careful out there.

Red Flag Warnings, Jan. 18, 2021
Red Flag Warnings in California, Jan. 18, 2021. NWS.
Red Flag (red) and weather stations
Weather stations with Red Flag (red) and those flirting with red flag conditions (yellow), at 1:06 p.m. PST, Jan. 18, 2021. NWS.

Is is also windy in Northern California—

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.

One thought on “Strongest wind event in months expected in California”

  1. Far more dramatic winds are expected up here in the Yosemite/Northern California region – with wind gusts of up to 80 mph expected. Ever-caring PG&E (insert sarcasm emoji) is planning on a PSPS event beginning between 1 and 3 am on Tuesday morning, with power expected to be restored by 3 pm Wednesday. Though I won’t be holding MY breath.

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