Heat, wind, low humidity create week of fire danger in Southern California

LOS ANGELES - A heat advisory is in place for much of Southern California Monday through midweek with the National Weather Service warning that critical fire conditions are expected, including triple-digit temperatures in some areas, low humidity and gusty winds.

"An upper-level high pressure system centered over Arizona today will strengthen across Southern California the next few days," the advisory explains. "This will bring a drier air mass into the region, along with a warming trend for most areas."

The advisory will be in place through 8 p.m. Tuesday for the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys, including the cities of Santa Clarita, Newhall, Valencia, Woodland Hills, Northridge, Burbank and Universal City.

For the Los Angeles County Mountains, excluding the Santa Monica Range, the advisory will remain in effect through 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Daytime temperatures will exceed 100 degrees in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys and will be five to 10 degrees above normal elsewhere. Overnight "lows" will drop to 70-75 degrees across the warmest locations.

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Humidity levels will fall to between 5% and 15% on Monday. Onshore winds also are expected to become more widespread, with gusts generally between 20 and 35 mph across each afternoon and evening, with isolated gusts to 40 mph near the Antelope Valley foothills.

This means an increase risk of fire due to dry brush and related conditions on the ground and the potential for the rapid spread and massive growth once flames get started.

Similar conditions will potentially continue Tuesday into Thursday, forecasters said.

The NWS is advising people with health sensitivities that put them at risk for heat-related illnesses to use caution this week, drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms and out of the sun.

It's a warning echoed by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

"We're in the thick of summer and this week will be a scorcher!" the department tweeted Monday. "Make sure you keep as cool as possible and drink plenty of water to remain hydrated. Stay safe, everyone!"

Officials with the Los Angeles city and county fire departments have said they are monitoring weather conditions and will decide whether staffing changes are needed on a day-to-day basis.

Health officials are also reminding the public to:

• check on relatives and neighbors, especially those with health issues;
• never leave young children and pets unattended in vehicles under any circumstances; 
• take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside; reduce risk during outdoor work by taking frequent rest breaksin shaded or air-conditioned environments;
• reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening, when possible;  know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke; and wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing, when possible.