The day began with some relief as a relaxation in the Santa Ana winds allowed fire crews to dump water from the air. However, intense winds are expected throughout Thursday in Los Angeles, threatening efforts to contain the raging blazes in several regions. Helicopters and aircraft assisting in fighting the fires from the air were able to fly, a significant improvement from the previous day when strong and erratic winds grounded them.
The seasonal Santa Ana winds, known for their strength and ability to fuel fire spread, bring hot, dust-bearing winds from inland desert regions to the Pacific Coast around Los Angeles. The National Weather Service has warned that gusts on Thursday could push the Pacific Palisades blaze towards more residential communities near the city.
The wind direction, currently from the northeast, is a critical factor in the fire's behavior. Ridgetop winds are expected to reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, creating tropical storm-force conditions. Meteorologists anticipate the winds to pick up in intensity as the day progresses, posing challenges to firefighting efforts.
