Southern California Weather: Strong winds and low humidity increase risk of wildfires and power outages over Thanksgiving holiday

news7g11/24/2021

2 1 minute read

Southern California Weather: Strong winds and low humidity increase risk of wildfires and power outages over Thanksgiving holiday

According to National Weather Service (NWS).

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are expected, including strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures, NWS said.

The warning will be in effect until Friday afternoon.

According to the NWS, the winds will be strongest on Wednesday afternoon. Some areas may experience isolated gusts of 60-70 mph through foothills and mountains.

Humidity in the Los Angeles area will be dangerously low at 10%-15% on Wednesday, then possibly as low as 2%-8% on Thursday, NWS said.

“Any fire that develops will have the potential to spread rapidly,” the NWS said. Residents are being urged to prepare in the event of a bushfire outbreak.

“Now is the time to activate your emergency plan in the event of an evacuation in #fast-moving fires, even at night,” tweet from the NWS in Los Angeles.

In the San Diego area, conditions will be slightly better with gusts of up to 60 mph and relative humidity between 7% and 15%, said CNN weather producer Robert Shackelford.

Possible gusty wind conditions lead to delay at regional airports.

California wildfires show how climate change is making mandatory evacuations and power cuts the norm

“Conditions will begin to improve on Friday with the possibility of only an increased risk of fire weather being introduced that day,” Shackelford said.

Utility companies in the area are bracing for the wind and are warning residents of possible power outages in an effort to contain the fires.

San Diego Gas & Electric says more than 43,000 customers may be affected by the public safety blackout and Southern California Edison says more than 132,000 customers may be affected.

California has experienced a devastating wildfire season, with 8,367 fires reported in the state this year, burning more than three million acres, according to Cal Fire. The fires have been exacerbated by climate change creating hotter and drier conditions.

CNN’s Robert Shackelford contributed to this report.

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