Sundowner Winds to Cause Flames in California?

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Lake Tahoe, California

Powerful winds, known as 'sundowners,' are expected to produce a prolonged high fire risk period over most parts of Southern California, according to reports. The threat of quick-spreading wildfires and the possibility of power shutoffs for some high-risk areas will last through Sunday evening. 

Kristen Stewart, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service, told in a news report that winds are expected to remain gusty From Friday through Saturday (Oct. 18 to 19) evening with lower humidity levels forecasted. It might be the strongest in some areas during the night and late hours.

According to AccuWeather Meteorologist Courtney Travis, any existing or new fires may behave erratically and rapidly grow. He attributed it to the dry, warm temperatures which accompany the winds. It may likewise add to the fire threat in California by making the bushes "more flammable."

The strong winds are caused by a strong storm that will drive toward the Northwestern states, said Travis. A high-pressure area southward of that storm will boost the southward flow of air into Southern California.

Potentially dangerous winds were also forecasted for Santa Clarita Valley, Santa Monica Mountains, and Los Angeles County mountains. It may bring short periods of critical fire weather and may hit late Saturday to Sunday.

Joe Sirard, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard, told the Los Angeles Times they are closely watching the situation. He added that it is plausible that they may issue a "red-flag warning" for the mentioned areas.

Gusts will have an average of 15–30 mph through the canyons, through the passes, and over the ridges. However, frequent winds will move over 40 and 50 mph.

Humidity levels are expected to fluctuate between 15 and 40 percent throughout the weekend. Winds will ease by early next week as both systems push farther inland, weather forecasts added.

Winds can be strong enough in some cases to dislodge power lines and lead to sparks. In some instances, minor property damage can occur from the winds. People should avoid using open flames, outdoor power equipment, or partaking in any activity that can potentially produce sparks.

However, Santa Ana wind conditions are not in place due to the wind coming from the northwest as of Friday afternoon local time, according to officials. It may prolong the risk of locally gusty winds along with surging temperatures for a few more days. 

Santa Ana winds stream from the coastal regions as areas of intense high pressure develop across the inner West areas. The phenomenon usually starts in October but may happen anytime from late to early spring.

The lack of wind conditions created by Santa Ana winds caused officials to set fire risk conditions to 'extreme' because of low humidity. Angeles Forest Fire Chief Robert Garcia said in a news report that it is to reduce the potential of a catastrophic wildfire from starting.

Southern California Edison, according to Los Angeles Times report, have likewise informed more than 56,000 customers covered across eight counties that their electricity could be shut off over the weekend to avoid the risk of wildfires in the area because of stong winds.