Tuesday LA forecast: Santa Ana winds return for another ‘particularly dangerous situation’

LOS ANGELES - Southern California can’t seem to catch a break after two massive fires – the Eaton and Palisades fires—left communities in ruins. As crews made progress over the weekend and approached full containment, Santa Ana winds returned, and multiple brush fires ignited on Monday.

Weather forecast for Tuesday, Jan. 21

The latest forecast and air quality conditions for the greater Los Angeles area, including beaches, valleys and desert regions.

During a briefing on Monday morning, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said the department has "deployed all available resources and strategically positioned fire patrol and fire engines in high-risk areas across the city of Los Angeles."

LA fire chief warns of 'extreme wind event'

LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley talks about critical fire weather ahead of a "significant wind event" headed toward Southern California Monday.

Tuesday brings another day of strong winds with the National Weather Service issuing another "particularly dangerous situation" (PSD) alert for some parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The alert was issued due to the potential for rapid fire spread due to the combination of wicked winds and low humidity levels.

FOX 11 Meteorologist Soumada Khan said Tuesday’s forecast has "a lot of wind energy," and within the last 24 hours, there have been hurricane-force conditions. She added Magic Mountain Truck Tail in the Canyon County area recorded wind speeds of 88 mph.

RELATED COVERAGE: California Fires Updates: Tuesday, Jan. 21

"These winds are highly variable," Khan explained. "Some interior areas like downtown LA will see calm and light winds but areas along our foothill communities, canyons, mountains and passes continue to be a hazard in terms of fire weather."

Strong Santa Ana winds return to SoCal

FOX 11 Meteorologist Soumada Khan warned of another round of powerful winds and looked ahead to rain and mountain snow chances by the weekend.

As a precaution, Khan recommends residents have a to-go bag ready to go in the event of an evacuation order.

Weather Alerts

‘Particularly Dangerous Situation’ Red Flag Warning

The NWS warns of gusty winds for some areas from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 10 p.m. Thursday.

The mountains and foothills could see northeast winds between 35 and 50 mph with isolated gusts between 80 and 100 mph in wind-prone mountain locations such as the San Gabriel, Santa Susana, Santa Monica and Ventura County mountains.

Areas of concern:

Santa Clarita Valley
San Fernando Valley
San Gabriel Valley north of the 210 Freeway
Ventura County beaches
Ventura County inland coast
Central Ventura County valleys
Malibu Coast
Calabasas
San Fernando Valley
Highway 14 Corridor

High Wind Warning

The NWS issued a High Wind Warning through 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Powerful and damaging winds are expected through in the mountains and foothills that could reach gusts of 60 to 80 mph. The strong winds are expected in several other parts of the region, including:

Santa Clarita Valley
Ventura County beaches
Calabasas
Agoura Hills
San Fernando Valley
San Gabriel Mountains
Angeles Crest Highway
Westlake Village
Newbury Park
Pyramid Lake
Acton
La Cañada Flintridge
Camarillo
Wrightwood
Thousand Oaks
Warm Springs
Tejon Pass
5 Freeway Corridor
14 Highway Corridor

Air Quality Alert

Air quality concerns linger following wildfires

During the wildfires, several communities throughout LA County experienced poor air quality. Chris Chavez, deputy policy director for the Coalition for Clean Air, says many people are now breathing toxic air. He gives tips on how to protect yourself.

Air quality has been a concern due to windblown ash and smoke. On Monday, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) issued another air quality alert through 10 p.m. Tuesday.

The alert warns of particle pollution that bring an increased risk of respiratory infections. Anyone could be affected, and residents are encouraged to their time outdoors.

Areas of concern: