Santa Ana winds to rake California, raise fire threat

By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

Updated Oct. 7, 2019 3:37 PM

The same storm set to bring another blast of cold air and more heavy snow to the interior Northwest will kick up winds and raise the risk of wildfire ignition and spread over California during the second half of this week.

While high winds are not foreseen, a moderate wind event is in store from Wednesday to Friday.

"Winds from the north and northeast are forecast to average 15-30 mph with an AccuWeather StormMax™ gust of 60 mph anticipated in the north- to northeast-facing canyons and passes," Brett Anderson, AccuWeather senior meteorologist, said.

Higher gusts are likely over the ridges and summits.

Gusty winds will threaten sporadic power outages. Where power lines are downed, sparks could initiate a wildfire.

PG&E energy announced that they may turn off the electricity for parts of California on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in what is known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff. This reduces the risk of fires sparking due to live power lines that are blown over.

People should be extra vigilant during this and any wind event. Use extreme caution with any cooking or power equipment that throws heat or may emit sparks. Never park over dry brush as the exhaust system can be hot enough to start a fire. Never toss burning cigarettes outside of your vehicle.

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A brush fire led to the closure of an entrance to Yosemite National Park on Sunday, Oct.6. By Sunday evening, the fire was burning along Highway 140 from Octagon to Buffalo Gulch Road. The sheriff’s office has yet to put out any evacuation orders.

Unlike what can occur during some Santa Ana wind events, which can usher in hot and arid air, this particular episode will bring in somewhat cooler air. The cooler air may prevent a major wildfire outbreak.

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For example, around Riverside, California, temperatures will be at their highest level this week on Monday with highs in the 90s F. By Thursday and Friday, highs in the Riverside area will be within a few degrees of 80.

However, the combination of dry air, dry brush and gusty winds will significantly raise the chance of wildfire ignition.

Any fires still burning from earlier in the week or new fires that start may be subject to erratic behavior and could be difficult to contain.

Winds are forecast to ease by this weekend, which will also allow the risk of wildfires to subside. But with a lack of rain, any fires still burning will have to be contained by firefighters and not the weather.

Download the free AccuWeather app for the latest information on forecast winds and fire weather. Keep checking back for updates on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.