Santa Ana Winds Peaked with Force on Saturday (Image Credits: Ca-times.brightspotcdn.com)
Southern California transitioned from blustery Santa Ana winds and record-breaking warmth over the weekend to a short cooling trend this week.[1][2]
Santa Ana Winds Peaked with Force on Saturday
A moderate Santa Ana wind event ramped up Friday and reached its strongest point Saturday across the region. Gusts exceeded 60 mph in mountainous areas, prompting high-wind warnings for places like the San Gabriel and Santa Susana mountains.[3] Officials urged caution due to risks of downed trees, power lines, and difficult travel conditions for high-profile vehicles.
Plant debris littered many Los Angeles roads by Saturday evening. Inland areas such as the Santa Ana Mountains, Inland Empire, and San Bernardino Mountains faced isolated gusts up to 65 mph. The offshore flow combined with sunny skies to push temperatures into the 80s at lower elevations, well above March norms.[3]
Sunday Brought Continued Gusts and Scorching Highs
Winds weakened Sunday but remained gusty, with speeds of 35 to 45 mph in parts of Los Angeles County triggering wind and heat advisories. Downtown Los Angeles recorded a high of 87 degrees Fahrenheit, close to the March 8 record of 93 degrees set in 2004, while the average high stands at 69 degrees.[1]…