The extreme fire danger that hit the Santa Clarita Valley earlier this week is now expected to continue into Friday night, officials from the National Weather Service (NWS) announced Wednesday.
These conditions include low humidities, winds between 25 to 30 miles per hour and gusts up to 40 miles per hour.
“A strong surface high over the great basin will bring an extended period of moderate to strong Santa Ana winds to Southwest California through Friday,” the NWS said. “Winds are expected to weaken slightly today then increase again tonight and Thursday and continue through Friday.”
In addition to an extended wind advisory and high wind watch, the NWS also extended its red flag warning for the area until 8 p.m. Friday.
“If fire ignition occurs, there will be the potential for very rapid spread of wildfire with long range spotting and extreme fire behavior that could lead to a threat to life and property,” the NWS said.
Especially dangerous times are expected to occur between Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon with 18 to 24 hours of strong wind gusts.
“This is a significant period,” the NWS said.
The powerful winds may also down trees and power lines that could cause property damage or power outages, like those that hit the area Tuesday.
In addition, the winds could blow dust and debris into the air and make driving difficult, especially for those driving high-profile vehicles and vehicles towing trailers.
These extreme winds are expected to weaken into Saturday; however, there is a chance fire conditions could continue into next week.
“There is a chance that offshore flow and critical conditions will continue through the middle of next, with a possible slight increase in winds Sunday through Tuesday,” the NWS said.
Low humidities also pose a threat for the area into next week with poor overnight recovery for the conditions.
“Minimum humidities of 6 to 12 percent will be common through at least early next week, with widespread very poor overnight recoveries staying under 30 percent,” the NWS said.
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