California wildfire forecast: Wind speeds remain high as brush fire threat continues

Santa Ana’s damaging wind event peaked early Wednesday and winds were expected to continue strong into Southern California early afternoon, sparking three rapidly spreading wildfires early Wednesday. Los Angeles metro area

The Palisades fire was about 2,921 acres, the Eaton fire was about 1,000 acres and the Hurst fire was about 500 acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. All were zero percent contained.

Wind gusts of 99 mph hit Mt. They were recorded at Lukens in the East San Gabriel Mountains, 98 mph at Saddle Peak in the Santa Monica Mountains, and 84 mph at Hollywood Burbank Airport.

The relative humidity of the area is very low, less than 10%. It has been very dry in Los Angeles, in fact, the period from October to December was the sixth on record last year.

Downtown Los Angeles has only seen 0.16 inches of rain since Oct. 1, and typically sees about 4.53 inches.

An extreme fire danger warning was issued from Malibu to Burbank, along with Simi Valley and San Fernando.

A red warning for “extremely dangerous conditions” remained in place for Los Angeles until 4:00 p.m. Wednesday.

The same type of warning was issued for Orange County, and damaging winds are expected to extend into San Diego County.

A critical fire danger warning has been issued for east San Diego.

On Thursday and Friday, the wind will begin to calm and the relative humidity will begin to rise.