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Get prepared: Red flag warning means Southern California is facing a serious wildfire threat
A firefighter prepares to take on a wildfire.
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Kevork Djansezian
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Getty Images
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Topline:
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning beginning Thursday morning for Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties as high heat and monsoonal moisture bring an increased risk of fire starts and extreme wildfire behavior. The warning will be in place until Saturday and may be extended.
Monsoon season: As moisture moves toward Southern California from the Gulf of California and Arizona, there's a chance thunderstorms could develop over our mountains. Brief but intense downpours are a possibility, as is dry lightning, which could result in multiple fire starts.
Extreme fires: Fuel moisture across much of the area is critically dry, making it quick to burn, which is typical for this time of year. If a fire grows quickly, pyrocumulonimbus clouds can form — those can create their own extreme weather, including dry lightning and strong winds. That makes firefighting very challenging.
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Ready, Set, Go! As our Red Flag Warnings go into effect, know what actions to take to prepare. A Red Flag Warning means, Set: Prepare your family & home ahead of time, in case you need to evacuate.
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) August 20, 2025
Review the Ready, Set, Go! Guide:https://t.co/unLl7sKHww https://t.co/KZg1WQjIZ5 pic.twitter.com/Zztjtct5yh
The outlook: Thunderstorms will be a concern through Sunday, though the warning may be extended. Temperatures are expected to peak at around 110 degrees on Thursday — 10 to 15 degrees above average — in desert and valley areas, but things should return to normal by the middle of next week.
Get prepared: Sign up for emergency alerts and take other precautions when fire danger is elevated. Here's a complete guide to getting prepped for wildfires.
Go deeper: Listen to LAist's The Big Burn podcast, about how to survive in the age of wildfires.
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Today, on Giving Tuesday, your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why on this Giving Tuesday, 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. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
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