Southern California faces a heightened risk of wildfires this week as strong winds and low humidity combine to create dangerous conditions in parched areas. Forecasters warn that gusts exceeding 80 mph are possible in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
The National Weather Service anticipates hazardous conditions, citing the potential for downed trees, power outages, and rapid fire spread. Areas most at risk include those impacted by the recent Franklin Fire, which devastated Malibu.
The Franklin Fire, one of nearly 8,000 wildfires across California last year, damaged numerous homes and other structures. The region remains vulnerable due to the fire's aftermath and dry vegetation.
Dry conditions, exacerbated by recent Santa Ana winds and unusually warm temperatures, are fueling the fire risk. While northern California has experienced significant rainfall, southern California has received minimal precipitation since early May, contributing to drought conditions.
The extreme precipitation disparity across the state is expected to persist. Northern California has experienced somewhat warm storms, continuing warmer than average temperatures across the state. Parts of San Diego County have seen the driest start to the season and the driest nine-month period in over 150 years. These conditions heighten wildfire risk in the vulnerable Southern California region.
