California expects a ‘much-needed break’ from dangerous fire conditions

California is set to get a “much-needed” break from the dangerous fire conditions that have helped fan the flames of multiple wildfires across the state.

The news comes as a red flag warning for Southern California is set to expire at 6pm PT.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Los Angeles confirmed today that strong winds and very low humidity are expected to subside by the end of the week, although it warned residents to prepare for the return of dangerous weather conditions next week.

Why does it matter?

Since last week, wildfires across Southern California have killed at least 25 people and spread to more than 37,000 acres, fanned by Santa Ana winds.

Easing dangerous fire conditions may allow firefighters to finally contain the inferno, including the two largest blazes; palisades fire, Which is only 19 percent containedand the Eaton Fire, which was 45 percent contained at press time.

What do you know?

The majority of red flag warnings for Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties are on track to expire at 6pm this evening as Santa Ana winds diminish throughout the day.

Forecasters said the strong winds seen over the weekend and early this week had reached their “peak” and would continue to decline through this evening.

Only a few mountainous areas will maintain the warning until Thursday morning, the National Weather Service said.

A red flag warning is issued when fire weather conditions occur; A combination of strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures are currently occurring or will occur soon.

The fires have displaced tens of thousands of residents and claimed the lives of at least 25 people since they broke out last week.

The Palisades Fire burned more than 23,000 acres, destroying or damaging more than 10,000 homes and businesses, while the Eaton Fire wiped out at least 7,000 structures as it engulfed more than 14,000 acres.

Fire crews are desperately trying to contain the blazes, but even as they do so, several smaller fires break out across the region, which has been suffering from a long drought.

Los Angeles has received just 0.16 inches of rain since Oct. 1, well below the usual 5.45 inches for this time of year. This extreme drought has left vegetation highly flammable, creating ideal conditions for wildfires when combined with the region’s notorious Santa Ana winds.

What people say

Alex Tardy, a meteorologist at NWS San Diego, said: Newsweek: “We’re seeing conditions weaken quickly. We’re still in Santa Ana conditions right now, so the winds are still blowing, and it’s very dry, but after six today, we’ll see much lighter winds.”

NWS Los Angeles said on X: “Good news: We expect the much-needed respite from fire weather concerns to end this week. Bad news: Next week is worrying. Although we are confident we will not see a repeat of last week, continued dangerous fire weather conditions are expected.” “

What happens next

Firefighters continue to battle wildfires in Southern California.

While the current red flag warnings are set to expire tonight, the NWS warns that strong winds and dry conditions are set to return, which could trigger a new red flag warning.