Santa Ana Winds Trigger Fire Warnings in Southern California. Here's What You Need to Know

Here's what you need to know.

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Palm trees bend in the wind as strong winds forced Southern California's Edison to cut power to the region on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 2022, in San Jacinto, California.

Southern California cities are on high alert as the first Santa Ana winds of the season arrive.

The red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) on Wednesday evening follows a relatively quiet wildfire season so far in California. Just 300,000 acres have burned since Jan. 1, compared to more than a million acres the fires typically burn by mid-October.

Santa Ana winds usually blow from the desert between September and May. Winds bring warmer temperatures and drier air to Southern California. They also greatly increase the risk of wildfires – hot winds combined with summer drought can often make for a dangerous combination. The January 2025 wildfires that swept through the Pacific and Altadena areas were fueled by Santa Ana winds that reached 100 mph.

Winds this week won't be as strong, according to the NWS forecast. But this does not mean that the region is in the clear. The NWS has warned that "conditions are favorable for severe fire behavior" if the fire does ignite.

The NWS has issued a red flag warning for the San Gabriel Valley forecast area of ​​Los Angeles County that will remain in effect until Saturday evening. The most severe conditions are expected in the valleys and mountains of Ventura and Los Angeles, especially Santa Clarita, Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley.

Southern California Edison plans to cut power to about 250,000 customers. Areas in northern and central California, including parts of Alameda County, Fresno County and Napa County, may also experience power outages. Turning off the power helps prevent downed power lines or old infrastructure from sparking a fire.

Recent rain means San Diego and Orange County will face less fire danger, though areas should still expect high winds.

One Southern California town is even encouraging residents to protect the hallowed decorations — giant skeletons and inflatable pumpkins that grace their front lawns. High winds can make Halloween decorations a hazard.