No reprieve for California inferno, with high winds continuing into next week
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A house burns in Pacific Palisades near Los Angles on Jan. 8. Photo: Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images
As wildfires incited by high winds and record dry conditions ravage Los Angeles County, the National Weather Service is warning of continued high-risk weather to come both this week and next.
The big picture: Winds will once again pick up Thursday evening into Friday morning across the Los Angeles region, with damaging gusts in the foothills and the potential for additional fire spread, NWS forecasters said Thursday afternoon.
- Forecasts call for wind gusts up to 55 mph overnight Thursday into Friday, and more high-wind threats are looming for LA County into early next week.
What they're saying: "Gusty Santa Ana winds will continue across the Southland into Friday, strengthening again tonight through Friday morning," NWS Los Angeles forecasters said in an online discussion.
- "Another round of gusty north to northeast winds will develop between Saturday and Sunday, then a stronger offshore wind event is possible between Monday night and Tuesday."
Threat level: The Santa Ana wind event early next week looks particularly threatening due to a continued lack of rainfall, with computer model projections predicting that winds could reach well above 50mph.
- "There is concern that fire weather conditions could become exacerbated given the antecedent conditions, little rain across the area since the Spring of 2024, and another offshore wind event on top of all of what we have seen, so far," NWS forecasters wrote.
- "Residents are urged to stay tuned to latest information and remain vigilant in steps to protect your life and property."
Catch up quick: The Los Angeles County fires have burned at least 25,000 acres, been the cause of five confirmed deaths and placed almost 180,000 residents under evacuation orders.
- Los Angeles Unified schools and offices will remain closed on Friday, with almost two dozen school districts also planning full or partial closures.
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