California fires weather forecast: ‘Dangerous’ wind situation begins early Tuesday

As strong winds sweep through Southern California early Tuesday, an “extremely hazardous condition” will be in effect for the west. Los Angeles County and most of Ventura County, weather officials said.

The warning starts at 04:00 local time. Winds are expected to gust between 45 mph and 70 mph, with relative humidity as low as 8%.

Those strong winds and dry conditions are likely to continue fueling Southern California’s historic wildfires.

The largest, the Palisades Fire, had spread to nearly 24,000 acres as of late Monday, only 14 percent contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Thousands of firefighters are battling the blaze across 45 square miles of densely populated Los Angeles County.

Winds of 67 mph were reported overnight and early Tuesday in the mountains around Los Angeles. The western San Gabriel Mountains have had gusts of up to 67 mph, while the Central Ventura County Valley has had gusts of around 66 mph.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, on the other hand, Santa Ana will come with a rough wind.

The heaviest gusts are expected Tuesday morning and early afternoon, followed by a break in the afternoon. More wind gusts are expected Wednesday morning.

It has been so dry that any spark can cause a huge fire that would grow explosively. Weather in Los Angeles last year and early this year was the second driest water year on record. Water years are recorded from October 1 to September 2, until 1877.

After Wednesday, the wind will start to die down and the humidity will increase a bit by Friday and Saturday. There is a very small chance of showers Friday through Saturday across southern California.