High Fire Danger in Southern California amid Driest Conditions on Record

CLIMATE-RELATED DISASTERS
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L.A. Basin blanketed by smoke as Colby fire burns 1,700 acres, destroying homes and forcing mass evacuations

Red Flag Warning is in effect for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to gusty Santa Ana winds and very low humidities, said NWS.

A fast-moving wildfire that started in the hills above Glendora has consumed more than 1,700 acres, destroying  homes, forcing thousands to evacuate, and enveloping much of the Los Angeles Basin in a thick pall of smoke.

The blazed has destroyed at least five homes and damaged 2 dozen outbuildings and other structures, said fire officials. About 600 fire crews have been deployed.

The event is significant because it may herald an unprecedented winter fire season amid the driest conditions ever recorded in the region.

US Drought Monitor Map for January 14, 2014. Released by http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/ on January 16, 2014.

Red Flag Warning

High pressure over the Great Basin will continue to generate gusty Santa Ana winds over Los Angeles and Ventura counties. These winds should strengthen some this evening then remain gusty into Friday, before weakening Friday afternoon into Saturday. The strongest winds will occur in the afternoon through evening hours. Peak gusts to around 50 mph are expected in the mountains, with gusts peaking to around 40 mph range in the valleys.  –NWS

The relative humidities would stay between 6 – 8 percent with temperatures forecast to reach 90s.

California Fire Weather Map

Source: NWS, via CalFire.