Updated.
Two days of hot dry Santa Ana winds expected; showers possible later next week.
After a relatively dry summer, fire danger will be at extreme levels during the next few days across Southern California as a two-day wind event is expected, beginning today.
The first major Santa Ana wind event of the season had begun as of Friday morning due to a combination of steep pressure gradients both at the surface and aloft, generating hot dry offshore winds, with single-digit relative humidities in the making.
Widespread east to northeast winds in the 30 to 40 mph range with some gusts upwards of 65 mph in higher terrain should develop and continue before decreasing early Sunday.
Because conditions aloft are relatively warm, compressional heating will boost surface temperatures into the low 90s Friday and Saturday in Los Angeles. Coastal areas will be as warm as or warmer than inland valley and desert locations for a few days due to their lower elevation.
A combination of red flag fire warnings, high wind warnings and wind advisories in effect for essentially all Southern California desert, mountain and coastal areas from Santa Barbara to San Diego except for a narrow strip along the coast from about San Clemente south to the Mexican border. The strongest winds are expected in the usual windy locations, including the western San Fernando Valley, and near and below Cajon Pass.
Winds are forecast to reach peak intensity during the day Friday across western San Bernardino county with additional peak periods early Saturday and again and possibly Sunday morning.
Operation of high profile vehicles may be difficult and some blowing dust is possible along interstates 5, 10, 15, and highways 60, 91, 210, and 215.
Latest model runs increasingly now suggest an upper level low may bring showers into Los Angeles and vicinity late next Wednesday into Thursday.
