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 during our fall member drive.
Get prepared: Red flag warning means Southern California is facing a serious wildfire threat

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.
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.
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.

-
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious.
-
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress.
-
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
-
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places.
-
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures.
-
It will be the second national day of protest against President Donald Trump.