While the eastern United States knows a remarkable cold snapthe west coast is plagued by fires.
The most violent Santa Ana episode since 2011
The Santa Ana winds, well known to Californians, are land winds, blowing towards the ocean. They are notably signs of scorching temperatures in summer and very dry air. This week, a strong high pressure at 1050 hPa is located over the Rockies and a low pressure at 1010 hPa in the Gulf of Baja California. This situation is particularly conducive to the development of strong winds in Southern California. The winds are therefore channeled between these two systems and accelerate in the presence of the Rocky Mountain relief then flow down onto the coastal plain. This episode is the most violent observed since that of 2011 with gusts exceeding 150 km/h in places, particularly in the mountain ranges north of the Los Angeles basin. A gust of 111 km/ha was also recorded at the international airport.
Favorable location for Santa Ana winds © The Weather Channel
Three major fires on the outskirts of Los Angeles
A fire risk alert was issued at the start of the week throughout the south of the state and around Los Angeles. This Tuesday, three outbreaks broke out in the north of the city. The most important is the “Palisades Fire” with this Wednesday morning, nearly 1200 ha already gone up in smoke. This fire concerns a highly urbanized area between Santa Monica and Malibu. The images are impressive with the smoke widely visible from the Los Angeles basin.
Motorists were also forced to abandon their vehicles on the famous Sunset Boulevard due to the uncontrollable flames. Numerous evacuations were launched in the area and Malibu residents were asked to prepare.
The situation should improve quickly weather-wise this Thursday with the evacuation of the depression towards the south. The wind will weaken very significantly, thus putting an end to the Santa Ana episode, which should make the work of firefighters on the ground easier.
