Gusty Santa Ana winds are sweeping across Southern California this weekend, bringing warm temperatures and high gusts that have prompted warnings from the National Weather Service. Widespread highs in the 80s are expected by Sunday, about 10 to 15 degrees above normal for this time of year.
Key Takeaways
Gusty Santa Ana winds are bringing warm weather to Southern California this weekend, with temperatures expected to reach into the 80s by Sunday. High wind warnings and advisories have been issued for various regions due to potential hazards such as downed trees, power outages, and dangerous driving conditions.
- Santa Ana winds will bring widespread highs in the 80s across Southern California this weekend.
- High-wind warning issued for San Gabriel Mountains with gusts up to 55 mph.
- Wind advisory in effect for much of the region with gusts up to 30 mph and higher in certain areas.
- Potential hazards include downed trees, power outages, and hazardous driving conditions.
- Fire danger is not a main concern due to recent rainfall.
The moderate Santa Ana wind event began to pick up on Friday and is forecast to peak on Saturday. A high-wind warning has been issued for the San Gabriel Mountains and Highway 14 corridor, where gusts could hit up to 55 mph. The weather service warned that damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines, potentially causing widespread power outages.
At lower elevations, a wind advisory is in effect through Saturday afternoon for much of the region. Winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected across most of Southern California, with higher gusts possible in areas like the Santa Monica Mountains and Interstate 5 corridor.
The winds are also affecting parts of Orange County, including the Santa Ana Mountains, as well as the Inland Empire and San Bernardino Mountains. Isolated gusts up to 65 mph could occur in these areas. The advisory warns that gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects and may result in a few power outages.
Despite the strong winds, fire danger is not a main concern due to several inches of rain received earlier this year from winter storms. However, residents are advised to secure outdoor objects and avoid driving during peak wind hours for safety reasons.
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