A threat of wildfire looms around Southern California as strong winds and low humidity over the area is likely to ignite the risk of forest fires in the region. A departing storm over the Intermountain West will create gusty winds throughout the region.
Moreover, on Friday, strong northerly winds through the mountains and canyons in the southern California is also likely to occur. The northeasterly winds will also unfold over the weekend. Though the strongest winds will still appear on Friday morning. But breezy weather will continue through weekend.
The wind gusts are likely to speed up to 40-50 mph into Friday morning. Over the ridges as well, gusts are likely to go up to 60 mph. However, greater risks seem to be over a few areas along the Interstate 5 corridor and the Antelope Valley, due to being on the north-south location.
As per the weatherman, along with fire danger, dusts blowing can also create threats for the areas particularly on highways. Hence, people are advised to be attentive against the visibility due to dust and smoke.
Cross winds can possibly be strong and destructive enough to push over large trucks particularly along the west to east highways which includes interstates 8, 10, 15 and 40.
These winds along with dust and fire weather is further expected to spread in parts of Nevada and Arizona for a time.
Subsequent cooling down from these strong warm winds into Friday, Santa Ana winds will help warm the region over the weekend. Furthermore, higher temperatures will probably contribute in igniting the dry bushes leading to continuous burning.
During this weekend, the strongest winds will be in the valleys and canyons that are orientated northeast to southwest within 100 miles or so of the coast.
The amalgamation of dropping humidity levels, arid brushes and absence of rains will scale up the risk of wildfire eruption. The strength of winds can further spread the ignition to other areas.
As per the National Interagency Fire Center, this year, wildfires have consumed 4.8 million acres across the nation. This year so far, 503,586 acres of land has been have scorched in Southern California alone.
Image Credit: latimes.com
