Forecasters predict that another “traditional Santa Ana wind event” will come in Thursday night, despite the fact that the heaviest wind gusts have already passed over the Southern California region.
Gusts of 80 to 100 mph were recorded during the height of the violent windstorm. Ground troops and water-dropping aircraft combating the several flames throughout the area found it challenging to combat the wind conditions.
The red flag warning for a large portion of Ventura and Los Angeles counties has been extended by the National Weather Service until 6 p.m. on Friday. On Thursday night, there may be isolated gusts of up to 70 mph along with gusty offshore winds of 40 to 55 mph.
According to the NWS, the mountain and foothill regions will see the strongest winds during this next event. The humidity will remain low, occasionally falling into the single digits.
Areas like Lake Arrowhead, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Acton may see some of the hardest winds, according to meteorologist Alex Biston of KCAL News. She also mentioned that dry vegetation will continue to result from the forecast’s lack of rain.
Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley stated at a press conference on Thursday that the weather is improving and would aid in the combat.
Unhealthy air quality
Residents in the affected areas are still at risk from the smoke produced by the flames. Up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, the South Coast Air Quality Management District is under a wildfire smoke alert. The air quality has deteriorated to dangerous and harmful levels.
A federal indicator of air pollution is the Air Quality Index, or AQI for short. The AQI evaluates five pollutants: nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and ozone.
According to Paul Deanno, a meteorologist with KCAL News, an AQI reading of 150 or higher is deemed “unhealthy.” According to him, readings are significantly higher than that in several interior valleys and the majority of the Los Angeles County metropolitan region.
He claimed the smoke and ash will remain in the air for a longer period of time because there aren’t any winds in the area.
The American Lung Association’s Dr. Cedric “Jamie” Rutland advised wearing a mask if one must be outside during the fires. According to him, people with long-term health conditions and cardiovascular disorders are among the most susceptible categories. Pregnant women, persons over 60, and newborns and children under five are the groups most at risk among otherwise healthy people.
Even if you can’t see the particles floating in the air, Ruthland added, that doesn’t imply they don’t exist.
People are still being warned by weather experts to use caution while handling anything that could start a fire. In the event of a fire, locals who live close to wildlands should prepare to leave and have a to-go bag.