High Wind Warnings Issued for Southern California: Strong Gusts and Critical Fire Conditions Expected

A High Wind Warning has been issued for several areas in Southern California, effective from Sunday evening through Monday afternoon, due to the anticipation of strong to damaging winds and critical fire-weather conditions.

According to the National Weather Service, moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds are expected across Ventura and Los Angeles counties. These winds, driven by strong upper-level support and offshore pressure gradients, could reach gusts of 60-80 mph from the northwest-to-north direction, particularly in the Ventura County Mountains and the Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains.

A High Wind Warning specifically for Santa Barbara County has been issued until 6 p.m. on Sunday, with the winds expected to veer to a northeasterly direction as the surface ridge shifts eastward across the central Great Basin. This shift will focus stronger winds across Santa Ana wind-prone areas, exacerbating critical fire-weather conditions due to downslope drying and strong winds.

In addition to the wind warnings, a Freeze Watch has been issued for the interior of San Luis Obispo County, the Southern Salinas Valley, and the Antelope Valley, with low temperatures expected to reach the 30-32°F range on Sunday night. The forecast remains mostly dry through next week, with minimal temperature changes and a slight warming trend expected in the early parts of the upcoming week.

Residents are advised to secure outdoor objects, use extra caution while driving, especially in high-profile vehicles, and be prepared for potential power outages due to the gusty winds.