National Weather Service forecasters said there would be a “significant drop off” in wind velocity on Friday afternoon.
It won’t last long.
“This gives the area about an 18-hour reprieve in the winds (Friday night) through late morning Saturday before the next burst of offshore flow and wind begins later Saturday into Sunday morning,” the NWS announced.
The weekend wind “seems generally focused on the San Gabriel Mountains but probably at least some advisory-level winds down into some of the valleys and Santa Monica Mountains,” the forecast states.
The NWS issued a high wind watch that will be in effect for the San Gabriel Mountains, western Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area and the 14 Freeway that will be in effect Saturday night through Sunday afternoon. Those areas could see winds ranging from 30 to 50 mph, potentially gusting up to 60 mph.
But more powerful winds are anticipated to hit the region early next week.
“Right now it looks like Tuesday will be the strongest day,” forecasters said. “Unlike this week’s very dangerous event, which was more of a northerly wind event, this one is very likely to be a traditional (northeast) Santa Ana event. Still, the low humidities and the winds will combine to bring enhanced fire danger to the area.”