After a respite from intense winds that allowed firefighters to make headway against the severe wildfires in Southern California, the brisk Santa Ana winds are expected to return this week. This development raises fears of further damage, given the persistently low humidity and dry conditions in the area.

The National Weather Service has announced that high winds and red flag warnings indicating “a notably perilous scenario” would be in effect starting Monday night and continue through at least Wednesday. In Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties, wind speeds could range from 55 to 70 mph, with even stronger gusts likely in higher elevations.

“If a fire starts, the circumstances are ideal for rapid spread and extreme fire intensity, which could include long-range spotting that endangers lives and property,” stated a critical red flag alert from the Los Angeles weather service office.

According to AccuWeather, wind gusts may surge up to 100 mph in mountainous areas, similar to last week’s conditions that prompted catastrophic wildfire expansion, obliterating neighborhoods and displacing tens of thousands from their homes.

The most potent winds, potentially reaching strengths comparable to a hurricane, are forecasted to continue from Tuesday through Wednesday morning, according to meteorologists.

Drought Continues in Southern California

The humidity rates are anticipated to stay low, hovering around 10% to 20%, providing insufficient moisture as the dry vegetation further ignites the fires, as mentioned by the weather service. Moreover, there is no rainfall expected this week to relieve drought situations in Southern California.

“Since April of last year, Los Angeles has not exceeded the 1-inch threshold for rainfall. This period typically sees downtown L.A. receiving about 5-6 inches of rain,” remarked Alex Sosnowski, a senior meteorologist for AccuWeather, in an online forecast.

The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that nearly all of Southern California, including Los Angeles and Ventura counties, is facing moderate to severe drought conditions.

AccuWeather meteorologists are also keeping an eye on the potential for another wind resurgence midweek; a shift in wind direction might lead to “somewhat increased moisture levels.”

“The winds might calm down from late Tuesday into Wednesday [throughout Southern California]. Nevertheless, they could shift direction and pick up again in the middle of the week, this time blowing onshore, which should enhance humidity a bit,” said AccuWeather meteorologist Paul Pastelok.