The National Weather Service warned of critical fire weather conditions across parts of Southern California as a heat wave is expected to send temperatures into the triple digits this week.
Red-flag warnings were in effects from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, the NWS said, as gusty northeast winds and low relative humidity continued to touch down on the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys.
"We’re going to see those sporadic wind gusts, anywhere between 50 and 60 mph," said NBC4 meteorologist Elita Loresca. “Enough to down trees and power lines, a lot of debris out on the roadways."
Red-flag warning signs were placed in areas of Pasadena as firefighters took extra precaution in case of a quick-spreading fire.
“We’ve seen the more recent climate change, where it’s hotter, it’s dry,” said Pasadena Fire Department spokeswoman Lisa Derderian. “It can create the perfect firestorm, and that’s a big concern of ours.”
Residents were warned ahead of time that parking restrictions were set up for easier firefighter access.
“The streets have not gotten any bigger since they were built years ago, fire engines and trucks have,” Derderian said. “We need to ensure there’s room to get them into these neighborhoods should a fire break out.”
The U.S. Forest Service advised that Glendora Mountain Road in Glendora would be closed from Sunday through Tuesday during the red flag warning.
Wind advisories warned that strong gusts could make driving difficult, especially in high-profile vehicles.
“So, if you are heading to mom’s or grandma’s today, just be extremely careful and vigilant of loose items out on the roadways today,” Loresca said.
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Conditions will continue to warm with temperatures reaching the mid 80s, about 10 degrees higher than Saturday.
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“The heatwave continues next week,” Loresca said.
By Monday, temperatures were expected to reach the low 90s, with a high of 100-plus degrees reaching the Southland by Thursday.
NBC4's Elita Loresca and Willian Avila contributed to this report.
