Winds, dry conditions bring Red Flag warning to SCV

Dirt is whipped up over the hills of Santa Clarita as winds pick up at Todd Longshore Park in Canyon Country. Signal File Photo
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Original story posted: 12:21 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27

Most recent update: 1:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28

The Santa Clarita Valley is once again under alert as very hot and dry weather, combined with gusty Santa Ana winds, prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Red Flag warning for critical fire weather conditions.

“Extreme fire danger will be likely with the potential for rapid fire growth,” the NWS alert stated. “Use caution and be alert.”

The Red Flag warning went into effect late Sunday and continued through 5 p.m. Monday, according to Kathy Hoxsie, a meteorologist at the NWS.

“Temperatures, at this point, don’t make a big difference, other than to the firefighters themselves,” Hoxsie said Sunday. “What’s really happening as far as the effect on the fires is the low relative humidity and the gusty winds.”

Humidity fell into the single digits Monday, with very dry conditions adding to the Santa Ana winds, which were projected to be 20-30 mph Monday, with gusts up to 40 mph, according to Hoxsie.

“That’s really the key issue,” she added. “Tuesday is still going to be gusty, but the strongest winds are more like 15-20 mph.” 

While critical fire weather conditions were likely on Monday, hot, dry and breezy conditions are expected to continue through Friday, with temperatures remaining in the triple digits through most of the week.

“Most of the week looks warm, with the hottest day at 101 (degrees) on Wednesday,” Hoxsie said. 

“Tuesday will be hotter and still dry, but less windy,” added NWS meteorologist Mike Wofford. “It’ll start cooling down Friday.” 

The L.A. County Department of Public Health also issued a smoke advisory Monday, as smoke from the Bobcat Fire caused unhealthy air quality in the SCV and surrounding areas. 

NWS officials also warned residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses, especially older adults and young children, while people with underlying health conditions, athletes and outdoor workers should also take extra precautions.

Residents are advised to drink plenty of water, avoid excessive outdoor work and wear proper clothing when outside, also ensuring that children and pets are not left in hot cars. 

Similar advice was issued for the smoke in the area, with residents advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure and limiting physical exertion, both indoors and outdoors.

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