LOS ANGELES – “Calm weather” across much of the region on Monday will take a quick turn on Tuesday as widespread, damaging winds bring extreme fire weather conditions to Southern California.

According to the National Weather Service, skies will remain mostly clear Monday, with weak onshore winds developing in the afternoon.

Meteorologists called it “the calm before the (wind) storm.”

“A dangerous offshore wind event will develop tonight,” the NWS said in its latest forecast update. “Tonight warning level northeast winds will develop in the mountains around midnight, then work their way into the western LA Valleys and eastern Ventura Valleys, then reach the western Santa Monica Mountains-Malibu area around dawn. Then warning level gusts are possible tomorrow.”

The NWS said winds will reach “dangerous strengths” by Tuesday afternoon, impacting Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Weather warnings

High wind warnings have been issued for LA County from 10 a.m. Tuesday through 6 p.m. Wednesday, covering the mountains (including Santa Monica), the San Fernando/San Gabriel/Santa Clarita valleys, and the Calabasas areas.

In Ventura County, high wind warnings were issued for the southeastern valleys and Santa Susana Mountains for the same period.

Offshore winds will also affect San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, but not as strong, the NWS noted.

In terms of temperatures, much of the region will be cooler.

“Tuesday’s maximum temperatures will cool by 5 to 10 degrees across the board. “There will be much less cold air advection on Wednesday and mass temperatures will increase by about the same 5 to 10 degrees,” the NWS said.

Be prepared

Residents are urged to remain vigilant and monitor the latest forecasts for updated information.

According to the NWS, there is the potential for this latest system to become the strongest wind event of the season, particularly in the Southland Valleys.

Watch for fallen trees, large branches and downed power lines due to the wind event.

Residents living near the foothills are advised to review fire safety plans and be prepared to move in the event of an evacuation.

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