Winds are predicted to increase until Wednesday evening, which could make efforts much more difficult as firefighters continue to fight fires in Los Angeles that have destroyed entire communities.
During a press briefing on Sunday, officials stated that the region’s significant fire risks are growing due to gusty winds and ongoing dry weather.
According to Los Angeles City Fire Kristin Crowley, a red flag warning is in effect in the area because on Sunday, northeast wind gusts exceeded 50 mph. Strong Santa Ana winds are also predicted to increase in the upcoming days, thus the warning will be in effect until Wednesday at 6 p.m. local time.
This year, the naturally occurring meteorological phenomena was especially common, with gusts occasionally exceeding hurricane strength.
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According to Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Maroney, these winds, low humidity, and extremely dry vegetation “will keep the fire threat in Los Angeles County very high.”
Crowley and Maroney cautioned that although the threat is projected to persist until Wednesday, the heaviest winds are predicted to hit Los Angeles on Tuesday.
According to Crowley, it’s critical that the community is aware that severe wind occurrences are imminent.
Karen Bass, the mayor of Los Angeles, who has faced criticism for the city’s readiness before the fire, reassured residents that the city is prepared to withstand the high winds with the help of all of the city’s firefighters.
For the next four days, the state’s wind gust forecast is anticipated to stay largely stable.
On Sunday, winds above 60 mph have already been recorded in mountainous regions. Winds of 25 to 40 mph are predicted in these regions over the next three days, with gusts of up to 70 mph possible.
Winds along the shore will be between 20 and 30 mph with gusts as high as 55 mph.
Winds in the downtown area of Los Angeles are predicted to be between 10 and 20 mph with gusts of up to 30 mph.
The fires are especially difficult to contain because of the strong winds that enable the fire to spread swiftly, with embers starting fires in new locations.