Parts of Southern California are bracing for another round of potentially damaging Santa Ana winds that could take out trees and power lines and elevate the risk of fire. “That will be a Santa Ana and it will be a fairly strong one,” Sweet said. Unlike onshore winds, which bring in moisture as they blow from the ocean over the land, Santa Ana winds originate inland, gaining speed, warming up and drying out as they move from higher to lower elevations and squeeze through narrow canyons and passes. The conditions are fairly common for this time of year, although this winter has seen more Santa Ana events than is typical, Sweet said. “We’ve been stuck in a particular weather pattern a lot this winter that has been favorable for Santa Ana winds,” he said.

Source: Los Angeles Times February 27, 2021 18:45 UTC