A new wind event is forecasted to affect Southern California through midweek, although it is not anticipated to be as severe as the previous week's event. The strongest winds are not expected to hit the Palisades and Eaton fire zones directly, but the surrounding areas will still face challenges.
Firefighting efforts in the region will be tested as winds are set to increase over the footprint of both fires from Monday to Wednesday. The potential for rapid growth of any new fires that may ignite during this period is a cause for concern.
Red flag warnings have been issued for the Palisades and Eaton fire zones, indicating an elevated risk of fire danger. However, these areas are not under the 'particularly dangerous situation' red flag warning, where wind gusts could reach up to 70 mph on Tuesday and Wednesday. This heightened alert level is just west of each fire zone.
The Eaton Fire zone is currently categorized as level 3 of 3 in terms of extremely critical fire risk, while the Palisades Fire falls under a level 2 of 3 threat, as per the Storm Prediction Center.
Initial reports indicate gusts ranging from 10 to 20 mph from the north, with some areas experiencing gusts up to 30 mph in higher elevations. Wind speeds are expected to escalate throughout the morning, with gusts of 35 to 50 mph possible, particularly in elevated regions. Although there may be a brief lull in gusty winds by mid-afternoon, they are projected to intensify again late Monday and into Tuesday morning.
By Tuesday into Wednesday morning, widespread gusts of 40 to 55 mph are expected, with even stronger winds forecasted just west of the fire's footprint. In these areas, gusts could reach up to 70 mph in the western Santa Monica Mountains.
Currently, winds remain relatively light, with occasional gusts of 5 to 10 mph in the valley and 10 to 20 mph in certain foothill areas. However, wind speeds are anticipated to pick up throughout the morning, with gusts exceeding 35 mph possible. The strongest gusts, ranging from 45 to 60 mph, are expected on Tuesday and into Wednesday morning, particularly in higher elevations. In the far western San Gabriel Mountains, even stronger winds with gusts up to 70 mph are a possibility.
