#santa-ana-winds

#santa-ana-winds

Unlike onshore winds, which bring in moisture as they blow from the ocean over the land, Santa Ana winds originate inland, gaining speed, warming up and drying out as they move from higher to lower elevations and squeeze through narrow canyons and passes. They're also known as the "Devil Winds" and have historically fueled the worst fires in the region's history, including the deadly firestorms in January.

Santa Ana winds are expected Sunday evening and could stick around until Monday morning. They won't be particularly strong, said National Weather Service meteorologist Todd Hall, but there will likely be gusts ranging from 40 to 50 mph. The strongest winds are likely to hit western Los Angeles and eastern Ventura counties, affecting the areas of Malibu, Thousands Oaks, Porter Ranch and Santa Clarita.

Hot conditions and Santa Ana winds will hit Southern California this week, beginning the fall wildfire season in earnest as the region continues to recover from January's devastating firestorms. Though no red flag warnings have yet been issued, both the Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley foothills will have elevated fire risks once the winds arrive, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld.