Santa Ana winds are bringing fire weather conditions tonight – and they could get even worse this week

Gusty Santa Ana winds will hit Southern California tonight and into this week, drying up fuels and increasing the chance of critical fire weather in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag fire weather warning for the region. However, winds are expected to strengthen later in the week.

What you should know: Starting tonight (Sunday, November 2) and continuing into Monday, Santa Ana winds will blow across the mountains of Los Angeles County, with wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour or more. Other wind-prone areas in LA and Ventura County could experience gusts of up to 50 mph.

“Sunday and Monday we expect rapidly increasing winds and dry conditions across the region in the mountains and valleys,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Robbie Munroe.

The strong winds increase the risk of fire weather conditions for the region, with the possibility of these conditions extending to some coastal areas. A red flag fire warning has been issued for Los Angeles and Ventura counties from 7 p.m. tonight through Monday evening.

A look at the coming week: The National Weather Service is forecasting even stronger winds in Santa Ana on Wednesday and Thursday, adding another critical major fire risk to Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

“With this first event drying everything out,” Munroe notes, “the middle of the week – Wednesday, Thursday – could be particularly worrisome.”

How this affects fire weather: Due to dry fuels and low humidity, winds throughout the week pose an increased risk of rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior to the region.

A view of the sea: Strong winds are expected to create dangerous boating conditions today through Thursday.

A look into the desert: Frost is possible starting tonight and continuing into Wednesday morning, with overnight temperatures reaching the 20s to mid 30s. Keep an eye out for plants and animals that are sensitive to the colder temperatures.