Quick-moving Santa Ana winds—some reaching hurricane-like speeds—have been sweeping through Southern California, exacerbating the wildfires that firefighters are currently tackling in the Los Angeles region. The elevated risk of fire is expected to persist into the following week.

“Hollywood Burbank Airport recorded a peak gust of 71 mph around 9 p.m. PST on Wednesday,” stated AccuWeather meteorologist Danielle Ehresman. “Gusts nearing 100 mph were observed above 2,000 feet in the Santa Monica and San Gabriel mountains on Tuesday night.”

These winds, which are typically seen during fall and winter, push dry air from California’s interior deserts toward the coast, as noted by the National Weather Service.

How Santa Ana winds generate hazardous conditions in California

Santa Ana winds are created when air moves westward from a high-pressure area over the dry Great Basin towards a lower pressure zone off the California coast. According to AccuWeather, as this cooler air flows through mountain passes, it speeds up, descends, and compresses.

Continuation of Santa Ana wind conditions

The risk of fire remains significant. AccuWeather meteorologists anticipate another wave of Santa Ana winds early next week. Starting Monday, gusts between 40 to 60 mph are expected through Tuesday, with localized gusts potentially hitting 85 mph according to AccuWeather Local StormMax.

This article has been updated to include new information.

CONTRIBUTORS: Doyle Rice, James Ward, Palm Springs Desert Sun

SOURCE: AccuWeather and National Weather Service