Santa Ana wind event in the works across Southern California
Later this week, a slight wind shift is expected to kick up another Santa Ana wind event across an otherwise dry and sunny Southern California.
"Winds will start off as a Sundowner winds on Thursday, before transitioning to a Santa Ana wind event Thursday night," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Maggie Samuhel.
High pressure sets up over the Great Basin will help Santa Ana winds will develop and hold through Friday.
Santa Ana winds blow from the inland deserts of Southern California, surging down steep mountains before they reach the coast.
These winds are known for creating uncomfortable weather in the Los Angeles Basin. Temperatures in downtown Los Angeles are expected to peak seasonably in the mid-70s through midweek, but are forecast to soar into the mid-80s F by Friday.
Additionally, these hot, dry winds create a heightened risk of new and spreading wildfires.
"With most of Southern California in a severe drought, these strong winds will result in a high fire danger as well as power outages and downed trees," AccuWeather Meteorologist Alyson Hoegg warned.
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Residents will need to be cautious when cooking or smoking outdoors, and should avoid driving or parking their vehicles over dry brush. Cellphones should be kept charged and on overnight with emergency alerts enabled in case a nearby fire forces sudden evacuations.
Travel delays are also likely to ensue, mainly in wind-prone areas where high-profile vehicles could be compromised by the high winds.
"Wind gusts during this time are expected to reach 40-60 mph across the wind-prone canyons and passes and could gust higher in the mountains," Hoegg said.
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