With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Powerful winds fueling the California wildfires are expected through Friday
Palm trees are bent from the wind as a helicopter flies above homes threatened by the wind-driven Palisades fire in Pacific Palisades, Calif., on Tuesday.
(
David Swanson
/
AFP via Getty Images
)
Red flag warnings have been extended through Friday for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties as gusty winds whip across the area and multiple fires burn out of control.
A red flag warning means the combination of warm temperatures, low humidities and strong winds are expected to increase the risk of fire.
"Critical fire weather will last through Friday for portions of LA and Ventura counties, including major wildfire locations such as the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire and the Hurst Fire," the NWS says. "Gusty winds and very dry conditions will continue to fuel fire starts and existing fires. Please use extreme caution with any ignition source and stay alert to the forecast and follow instructions from local officials."
Another round of winds from the northeast are expected to develop Thursday, with winds strengthening and "another moderate to locally strong Santa Ana wind event is forecast," the agency says. Widespread wind gusts of 35 to 55 mph will occur before increasing by 10 to 15 mph overnight through Friday morning. This, combined with extremely low humidity, is conducive to fueling flames.
Sponsored message
The winds have gradually weakened since reaching up to 100 mph in some places since the fires began.
-
The Interior Department released its plan to open up federal waters off California’s coast to oil drilling, setting up a direct confrontation with Sacramento on energy and climate change. -
Most areas will seen between a half an inch and 1 inch of rain, which should clear out by Saturday morning. -
Philanthropic funds helped purchase a burned lot that used to have 14 rental units. Supporters hope the project can be a model for rebuilding equitably for renters.
The Santa Ana winds — dry, gusty winds that blow toward the coast — have fueled the fires in Southern California this week. They are relatively common in the region, but meteorologists say the current strength is abnormal.
"The typical strengths of the winds are on the order of, say, 30 to 60 mph when they occur, a couple times a year," Ariel Cohen, chief meteorologist for the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard office, told NPR's Morning Edition. "Every once in a while we get a much stronger Santa Ana wind event like what we had over the past 24 to 36 hours, in which case we ended up with a widespread, life-threatening and destructive windstorm."
A wind advisory will remain in effect until at least 2 p.m. PT on Friday. The NWS advises those in the area to stay at least 100 feet away from downed power lines and call 911.
Listen to our Big Burn podcast
Listen
39:42
Get ready now. Listen to our The Big Burn podcast
Jacob Margolis, LAist's science reporter, examines the new normal of big fires in California.
Sponsored message
Fire resources and tips
If you have to evacuate
- Cheat sheet: Your very short guide to getting packed up right now to evacuate
- Cheat sheet: A very short guide for how to leave your house if you need to evacuate
If you have more time:
Things to consider
- Evacuation terms can be confusing. Here’s what they mean and how to sign up for alerts
- This is why fire officials don't want you to stay and defend your home
Navigating fire conditions
- Cheat sheet: Your very short guide to driving in high winds and fire danger
- High winds and fires mean power outages. Here's how to prep
How to help yourself and others
- Resources for SoCal fire victims, evacuees and first responders
- What to do — and not do — when you get home after a wildfire
- If you want to help fire victims, resist the urge to volunteer
Understanding how it got this bad
NPR's Rachel Treisman and Ayana Archie contributed to this report.
Copyright 2025 NPR
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
