Southern California is gearing up for its first Santa Ana wind event of the fall, bringing a surge of hot, dry, and windy conditions from Tuesday through Wednesday. The National Weather Service warns of elevated to brief critical fire danger, along with unseasonably warm temperatures and very low humidity across much of the region.

🔥 The Setup

A warming trend began Monday and will intensify through midweek as strong offshore winds develop. These Santa Ana winds will usher in dry air and push temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal, marking the start of a classic fall weather pattern for Southern California.

🌡️ Timeline

Monday:
Moderately dry and breezy conditions continue, especially across mountain and desert areas. Gusty northwest to north winds are expected, leading to elevated fire-weather risks.

Tuesday:
The first Santa Ana wind event of the season ramps up. Temperatures soar into the 80s and low 90s, with humidity dropping to as low as 5–10% in some inland areas. Wind gusts between 30 and 40 mph are likely across eastern Ventura and western Los Angeles counties, with isolated gusts up to 45 mph. Coastal areas could see their warmest day of the week.

Wednesday:
Winds weaken slightly but remain offshore. Another burst of Santa Anas is possible, though not as strong as Tuesday’s. Inland areas, particularly in Orange County, could see highs in the low to mid-90s — the warmest of the week.

Thursday through Saturday:
Warm, dry weather lingers. Offshore winds fade gradually, allowing for a bit of cooling as onshore breezes return late in the week. However, temperatures will stay well above seasonal averages.

⚠️ What to Expect

• Highs: 80s to low 90s across Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, and Riverside counties — about 10–15° above normal.

• Areas Affected: Coastal and valley communities including Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Long Beach, Torrance, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood.

• Advisories: A Heat Advisory is in effect Tuesday and Wednesday for much of the region due to high temperatures and low humidity.

• Fire Weather: Elevated to critical fire conditions expected in wind-prone areas.

💡 Looking Ahead

A ridge of high pressure will dominate through the weekend, keeping temperatures hot and humidity low. Slight cooling is expected by Thursday and Friday, but forecast models suggest another potential warm-up heading into the weekend.

☀️ Safety Tips

If you’re planning outdoor activities, including attending World Series watch events or Halloween festivities, prepare for hot, dry weather.

• Stay hydrated and avoid prolonged time in direct sunlight.

• Limit outdoor work during the hottest parts of the day.

• Secure loose outdoor items that could blow away in gusty winds.

• Be extra cautious with anything that could spark a fire.

Southern California’s fall heat is here — and it’s bringing fire weather along for the ride. Stay alert, stay cool, and stay fire-safe.