Tropical Storm Force Winds in California

Strong winds will impact southern California and the peaks of the Sierra this week with wind gusts for the highest elevations in southern California potentially topping 70 mph. This is a Santa Ana wind scenario, but a bit reverse in the placement of the high and low pressure. Still, winds rushing down the slopes of the mountains will increase the fire threat and wind potential in the greater L.A. metro through the end of the week.

We have already seen gusts over 70 mph (that's tropical storm strength) across the highest peaks in California with strong winds anticipated into Friday across the Southwest.

Santa Ana winds are a southern California phenomenon because of the Santa Ana mountains they were named for. However, we will see the strong winds up through the San Gabriel's (outside of Santa Barbara) and along the spine of the Sierra Nevada. Additionally, strong winds are likely in the central and northern Valley of California as winds spread out. Tie down anything that can blow away and prepare for power outages or service to be interrupted in the high wind.

One of the other factors with Santa Ana winds is that they tend to raise the temperature. This is thanks to the air rushing down the slope and expanding, warming as it does so. Temperatures will rise slowly through the end of the week with highs returning into the 70s, which is around average for this time of year.