Elevated wildfire danger and July-like temperatures in southern California Monday and Tuesday

The National Weather Service has issued a warning for elevated wildfire danger beginning Sunday night for very strong winds and low humidities for some areas in southern California. Combined with very low live fuel moistures in the low 50 percent range, little or no rain for the last month, and not much greenup in some areas, this is further evidence of the often heard statement that the wildfire season in southern California is year-round.

Moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds will impact much of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties Sunday night through Tuesday. Peak wind gusts between 50 and 60 mph can be expected across the mountains on Monday, with gusts in the 40 to 45 mph range across the valleys. Humidities are expected to lower to between 10 and 15 percent on Monday, with widespread single digits on Tuesday. As a result, critical fire weather conditions will be possible Monday into Tuesday for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to the combination of gusty northeast winds, very low humidities, and warm temperatures. This in combination with very dry fuels will bring the potential for extreme fire danger and rapid fire growth. Offshore flow will likely maintain high fire danger (with warm temperatures and very low humidities) into next Friday.

The coastal temperatures between Los Angeles and San Diego next week will be close to those usually experienced in July.

Strong high pressure will build over the West next week, creating unseasonably warm weather over Southern California. High temperatures in coastal areas will near their average high temperature for July. Temperatures away from the coast will also be warm next week, but will not rival their July average high temperature.

Thanks and a hat tip go out to Ken/span>

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. View all posts by Bill Gabbert