Santa Ana winds are dry, warm, and gusty northeast winds that blow from the interior of southern California toward the coast, increasing wildfire danger in the region. These winds are created by high pressure over the Great Basin, causing air to flow toward southern California and through mountain passes, becoming drier and warmer as it descends.
The extreme lack of humidity during Santa Anas causes vegetation to dry out, making it highly susceptible to fire. The high wind speeds can effectively spread any spark into a rapidly spreading wildfire. Some of the worst wildfires in southern California, such as the Woolsey fire and Franklin fire, have been fueled by Santa Ana winds.
Named after Santa Ana Canyon in Orange County, these winds are also known as “devil winds” due to their destructive nature. Understanding the impact of Santa Anas is crucial for residents and authorities in southern California to prepare for and mitigate the risk of wildfires during the cooler months.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com
