As Santa Ana winds pick up across Southern California, several areas have been put on alert for potentially increased fire danger.
Wind advisories are in effect for recreational areas of the Santa Monica Mountains, including the city of Topanga, from 8 p.m. Wednesday to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Similar warnings are in effect for the LA County Mountains, including the cities of Lockwood Valley, Mount Pinos, Acton, Mount Wilson and Sandberg. And the Santa Clarita Valley, including the cities of Santa Clarita, Newhall and Valencia.
Those wind advisories will become high wind warnings at 8 p.m. Thursday and that warning will stay in effect through 6 p.m. Saturday, according to NWS.
A red flag warning has been issued for the San Fernando Valley and the interior valleys of Ventura County, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The warning will be in effect from 8 p.m. Thursday to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Gusty winds started blowing through the Southland Wednesday evening. NBC4 forecaster Fritz Coleman said the gusts, which could reach 50 mph in some areas, are expected to peak on Friday.
The combination of gusty winds, low humidity and “critically dry” brush can create an environment ideal for rapid fire growth, according NWS.
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The strong Santa Ana winds will bring a warm weekend to LA. Thursday’s high temperature will hover around 83 degrees. Temperatures are expected to reach into the high 80s Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
