Winds, Critical Fire Weather Expected For Thanksgiving In LA County

LOS ANGELES, CA — Gusty winds and critical fire weather are on the plate this Thanksgiving in areas of Los Angeles County, according to a warning issued by the National Weather Service.

The warning is in place from 1 a.m. on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 24 until 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 25 and impacts the coast of Malibu and Pacific Palisades as well as Brentwood. The Red Flag Warning indicates that the danger of fire weather is happening now or will occur soon.

"This Santa Ana event will be a bit more out of the east than recent events leading to more of a focus on the western San Fernando Valley and western portions of the Santa Monica mountains," the NWS said.

Gusty winds will peak at 55 to 65 mph for wind-prone mountainous areas, with the strongest winds expected on Thursday morning through the early afternoon. The NWS said if a wildfire occurs it is likely to spread quickly and will threaten life and property.

"Winds will really ramp up after midnight and peak through Thursday morning with gusts peaking in the 40 to 55 mph range, with potentially damaging gusts up to 65 mph for adjacent mountains and valleys of western Los Angeles..." the NWS said.

According to the NWS, humidity levels will be above critical levels this evening but will significantly lower by Thursday morning and damaging winds will likely develop. This will cause dry weather on the holiday which will support six to 12 hours of critical fire weather conditions.

The weather service recommends using extreme caution with potential fire ignition sources.