Temperatures in Ventura County are expected to climb into the 90s by midweek as light Santa Ana winds develop, according to the National Weather Service.
Meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld said Sunday and Monday will remain relatively cool, but Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to warm sharply, with temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above average during the heat wave, the Ventura County Star report noted.
What are the Santa Ana winds like?
The Santa Ana winds, sometimes called the “devil winds”, are strong, extremely dry downslope winds that blow from inland areas toward the coast of southern California and northern Baja California. They form when cold, dry, high-pressure air masses in the Great Basin move to lower altitudes.
While these winds are best known in the fall for bringing the warmest and driest weather of the year, they can also occur at other times of the year. Santa Ana events often produce exceptionally low humidity and clear skies along the coast. However, the combination of warm, compressed air and strong gusts create dangerous fire conditions that can quickly spread wildfires.
The coming heat will also affect the coastal areas, where many houses and buildings usually lack air conditioning. “It’s going to be much warmer than normal even in the summer,” Schoenfeld said. She advised residents to plan ahead by carrying extra water and avoiding the sun during the hottest hours of the day.
Schoenfeld added that conditions will be “a little windy and very dry,” increasing the risk of wildfires. Key factors contributing to the fire include high temperatures, wind and relative humidity, with the latter two being particularly prominent in Ventura County.
(This is a developing story. More to come)
