Los Angeles

LA, Ventura Counties Face Strong Wind Gusts, Fire Weather Warning

The red flag warning is in effect until Wednesday evening with gusts picking up by midday

Strong, gusty winds will buffet Southern California Wednesday and combine with low humidity levels to create an elevated risk of wildfire in mountain, forest and valley areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

A red flag warning, signifying a high risk of wildfire, is in effect until 6 p.m. for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The warning area includes Los Angeles County's Angeles National Forest and the adjoining Los Padres National Forest in Ventura County -- as well as valley areas in the two counties, including the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys in L.A. County, and the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational area.

Northeast winds of between 15 and 30 miles per hour are forecast in the red flag zone, along with humidity levels of between 8 and 15 percent. Gusts up to 45 mph are likely in those areas. 

Also in effect -- until 2 p.m. -- will be a wind advisory denoting winds or gusts reaching 35 mph in all the areas covered by the red flag warning.

Temperatures, meanwhile, will stay above normal. Thursday's temperatures will be a few degrees higher, but highs will slip Friday and continue doing so for a number of days.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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