Clocks went back and winds arrived early Sunday, bringing gusty conditions to large swaths of Southern California on the first day of daylight standard time.
According to the National Weather Service, strong northerly winds were blowing in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys, as well as the Santa Monica Mountains, increasing the risk of wildfires. Some gusts in Porter Ranch and the eastern Santa Monica Mountains reached 60 miles per hour, and Santa Monica and Los Angeles International Airport recorded winds in the 20 to 30 mph range.
“If you're going to drive down the I-5 corridor, you're going to encounter some really strong winds,” said Mike Wofford, a meteorologist with the weather service in Oxnard.
Winds are expected to change to northeasterly winds tonight and extend into Monday. There are currently red flag warnings in Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
“Strong winds and low humidity,” Wofford said. “Any time we have that combination, it becomes a high potential fire hazard.”
Temperatures are mild throughout the Los Angeles region, with highs in the mid- to upper 70s on Sunday. Warm temperatures are expected to remain stable throughout the week.
