70+ mph gusts - Dangerous fire threat in Southern CA

A particularly dangerous situation concerning Southern California is unfolding as dry Santa Ana winds pose a wildfire threat. As of Wednesday afternoon, multiple wildfire starts have been reported.

The WindRadar shows mountain gusts in the mid to upper 50s in southern California, with higher ones expected throughout the day, up to 70 mph. Humidity levels will be down to the teens or slightly below today as the dry winds flow from the east down into the valleys.

More new fire starts are possible as the dry, windy weather persists. Red flag warnings are active and the National Weather Service is dubbing this a 'particularly dangerous situation.'

The WindRadar shows there is a low-pressure circulation off the coast of southern California. This, in combination with a cold front descending south from the Great Basin, is setting the stage for the strong and very dry Santa Ana event.

Southwestern California is not within a drought zone as of October 29th, but it has been very dry leading up to now, nonetheless. A flick of a cigarette, dropping a match, or starting machinery near or on dry, tall grass can very easily start a fire, and these winds will only carry it quickly.