Dry weather conditions and gusty Santa Ana winds will increase wildlife danger on New Year’s Eve in parts of Southern California.
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties starting at noon on Tuesday until 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
CBS Los Angeles Meteorologist Amber Lee said temperatures on New Year’s Day will be slightly above average in the 60s and 70s. The first two days of 2025 will be warm and sunny.
Northeast winds will be between 15 and 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph, the NWS said. Winds will peak Tuesday through Wednesday and will remain until Thursday. The lack of rain and low humidity levels causes dry vegetation making areas more susceptible to wildfires.
Weather officials urge people to avoid using fireworks, and sparklers, or creating sparks during their holiday celebrations.
Earlier this month, strong Santa Ana Winds helped spread embers during the Franklin Fire that scorched over 4,000 acres in the Malibu Canyon.