Southern California braces for strong Santa Ana winds, soaring temperatures

A significant warming trend was already expected to impact Southern California this week, but the addition of gusty Santa Ana winds could make record highs a possibility.

“It’s really going to get hot here over the next couple of days,” KTLA Meteorologist Henry DiCarlo said Monday morning.

The warmest days of the week will be on Tuesday and Wednesday, with afternoon highs likely reaching into the lower 90s for downtown Los Angeles.

“Can’t rule out some record highs those days,” the National Weather Service (NWS) said.

A heat advisory has been issued from Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening for parts of L.A., Ventura, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

“Anyone planning outdoor activities those days, including attending the World Series, should be prepared for unusually hot and dry conditions,” the NWS said.

Gusty winds are also expected to pick up Tuesday morning across the typical Santa Ana Corridor of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

“This will be our first Santa Ana wind of the season, and it’s going to be a very strong one,” Henry said.

Wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph will be common across those areas.

Santa Ana winds will be possible on Wednesday as well, although likely not as strong as on Tuesday, according to the NWS.

A slight cooldown will begin on Thursday, but above-normal temperatures are still expected for Halloween on Friday.