Jan 11, 2025 - Energy & Climate

Fire watch for gusty winds, low humidity threatens more devastation in California

A car runs on the Coast Highway along the burnt structures on January 10, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, Los Angeles, California. — A car runs on the Coast Highway along the burnt structures on January 10, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. Photo: Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty Images

The National Weather Service plans to issue a red flag warning of critical fire weather conditions including gusty winds and low relative humidity, effective Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon, for Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the agency's LA office stated Saturday morning.

The big picture: Historic California wildfires have severely impacted these areas, and the NWS expects offshore Santa Ana winds to pick back up, with another strong offshore event occurring early next week and no rain in sight.

Wildfires have seared more than 30,000 acres in Los Angeles County this week, leaving at least 11 people dead, per an update Friday from the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.

Threat level: With no rain in the forecast, these winds will challenge firefighters battling the ongoing blazes and any new fire starts.

Parts of Southern California are experiencing their driest start to the winter "rainy season" on record, after two wet winters encouraged plant growth that has led to ample dry vegetation for fires to burn.

What they're saying: "With continued dry conditions, Red Flag Warnings are likely. While a brief reprieve from the winds are expected Sunday Night, they will form again Monday through Wednesday, with a peak around Tuesday of gusts between 40 and 60 mph," the NWS said.

"With humidities plummeting to 5 to 15 percent, there is a high risk for Red Flag Warnings."

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Fire watch for gusty winds, low humidity threatens more devastation in California

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