Gusty Santa Ana winds are building again this Sunday morning, March 8, prompting warnings about potential fires, fallen trees, power disruptions, and risky conditions for high-profile vehicles, forecasters indicate.
Recent Fire and Wind Damage
Over the weekend, a blaze tore through a three-story hillside residence in Laurel Canyon. More than 100 firefighters contained the fire in the primary structure, an attached exterior building, and nearby brush within one hour and 13 minutes. No injuries occurred.
In Anaheim, a tree toppled onto railroad tracks, while several small wildfires ignited across the region. Strong gusts peaking at 60 to 70 mph swept through the San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica mountains, as well as Malibu, on Saturday morning. These winds likely fueled the scattered fires in Los Angeles County, though no injuries resulted.
Upcoming Weather Outlook
Temperatures climb toward 90 degrees in warmer valleys and the 80s elsewhere today. “Minor to moderate heat impacts will be possible, mainly for outdoor workers and those without air conditioning,” states the National Weather Service.
A heat advisory runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. across much of Los Angeles County, paired with a wind advisory until 3 p.m. Today’s winds shift easterly, with gusts reaching 35 to 50 mph—less intense than Saturday.
Highs drop to the low 70s on Monday before warming back into the 80s by Wednesday and Thursday. “Briefly cooler conditions are likely early next week, with another warm and dry spell expected to start on Wednesday and continue through at least Friday,” forecasters add.
