Santa Ana Winds, Elevated Fire Risk In North Hollywood This Week

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA — Fires in December? According to the National Weather Service, it's a real possibility. The agency has issued a fire weather watch from Wednesday to Thursday evening in North Hollywood, due to gusty Santa Ana winds and low relative humidity.

NWS forecasts that wind gusts could blow up to 25 mph in North Hollywood beginning Wednesday. Temperatures are expected to reach 75 degrees, with mostly sunny skies and an overnight low around 47 degrees.

Although it hasn't been called yet, NWS said Red Flag conditions are likely to arise on Wednesday night, and could continue through next week.

"A moderate to strong Santa Ana wind event is expected to develop as early as Wednesday evening and continue through at least Friday or Saturday, likely resulting in Red Flag Conditions over most of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties," NWS said. "This Fire Weather Watch will likely be converted to a Red Flag Warning later this afternoon, with the coastal areas added. There is a chance that Red Flag conditions will continue through early next week. There is also chance that Red Flag conditions will form tonight through Wednesday over the winder parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties."

NWS also said the gusty offshore winds may cause downed trees and powerlines along with extreme fire behavior.

Thursday is expected to see a high of 71 degrees with mostly sunny skies, dipping to 43 degrees overnight. Friday will be sunny with a high of 72, with an overnight low of 42 degrees.