Record-challenging warmth, elevated fire danger return to Southern California
Unseasonably warm air will build and challenge records across the southwestern United States into Monday, while Santa Ana winds elevate the fire danger in Southern California.
A building area of high pressure will bring a surge in temperatures across the Southwest into Monday, according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Ken Clark.
Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Burbank, Los Angeles and San Diego, California, may flirt with record levels as temperatures climb into the 80s.
Temperatures will average 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit above late-January normals during the warm spell. Average highs range from 59-60 in Las Vegas to 68 in downtown Los Angeles and 69 in Phoenix at the end of the month.
“There will [also] be a period of Santa Ana winds into part of Monday,” Clark said.
Santa Ana winds on Sunday morning gusted to 78 mph on Boney Mountain and 62 mph at Malibu.
Winds will continue to gust through Monday morning. The wind-prone canyons and passes will be subject to wind gusts of 45-55 mph. Stronger gusts to 70 mph will whip the mountains.
The renewal of warmth and Santa Ana winds will bring an elevated fire risk to Southern California.
"While Southern California is not as much of a tinder box as it was earlier this winter following the heavy rain a couple of weeks ago, enough time has passed for vegetation to dry out and raise the fire danger," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said.
"Residents should use caution with cigarette butts and sparks. The strong winds will also create dangerous crosswinds for drivers of high-profile vehicles and may cause sporadic power outages," she said.
The dry and warm weather will continue to aid crews and residents in the long road to recovery following the deadly mudslides.
Last Sunday, U.S. Route 101 in Montecito, California, was reopened nearly two weeks after being covered under mud and debris.
The Santa Ana winds will lessen across Southern California by Tuesday. The dry and warm weather is expected to continue across the balance of the Southwest through the first few days of February as more storms target the Northwest.
