Santa Ana winds to whip across Southern California late this week

By Faith Eherts, AccuWeather meteorologist

January 26,2017, 9:47:22AM,EST

 

 

A week of relatively dry weather along the West Coast will be topped off with a Southern California Santa Ana wind event at the end of the week.
“An area of high pressure will strengthen over southern Idaho and northern Nevada,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Rossio.
This atmospheric setup is the first sign that strong northeasterly winds, known as a Santa Ana, could build into Southern California.


As the winds descend off the higher terrain to the west of the Mojave Desert, they will intensify and bring strong, gusty winds to the canyons, mountain and coastal regions of Southern California.
Winds will pick up on Thursday night and are expected to persist through Friday and much of Saturday.
“Santa Ana winds gusting as high as 55 mph will be possible along the Southern California coastlines,” said Rossio.

Due to the sheltering effects of local terrain, downtown Los Angeles and San Diego will escape the powerful winds as is often the case.
However, gusty winds will reach the coastal waters and islands.
Towns within and around the San Gabriel Mountains and Cleveland National Forest can expect wind gusts exceeding 55 mph late on Thursday through Saturday.
"Due to the saturated state of the ground, there is a much higher chance of trees coming down and catching power lines, compared to usual with this sort of event," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Ken Clark.
Outdoor furniture and other objects should be securely fastened or moved indoors by Thursday evening.
Related Links
Winter Weather Center 2017
PHOTOS: NOAA unveils 1st stunning images from GOES-16 satellite
Deadly tornadoes unleash 'total destruction' in southern Georgia
High-profile vehicles traveling to and within Southern California should be aware of strong winds.
Santa Ana events tend to bring dry gusts through the region, increasing fire danger. However, the recent rainfall and relatively cool air currently in place will result in a minimal wildfire threat this time around.
The strong offshore winds will help to push weekend temperatures up to average levels after a cool week in the Los Angeles Basin and surrounding areas.