Red Flag Warning

Weather Discussion:
A dry cold front will rapidly sweep through the area today, leading to strong north winds and much cooler weather for the next couple of days. The front will quickly drop into southern California this morning, and winds behind the front will quickly become strong by the mid to late morning hours. Sustained winds of 50-60 mph are likely this afternoon and evening in the mountains with some gusts to 70 mph possible in the passes and canyons. The winds will be especially strong along the I-5 corridor across the Grapevine, the San Marco Pass above Santa Barbara and other areas prone to north wind channeling. In the valleys, north winds of 35-45 mph will be possible. Additionally, widespread winds of 40-50 mph can be expected in the deserts, resulting in blowing dust and sand. Temperatures will be 20-25 degrees cooler today, which will keep the relative humidity above 20% this afternoon over most areas. Some light showers will be possible in the eastern Sierras, but otherwise skies will be sunny across the district. The strongest winds during this event are expected to occur this afternoon through Wednesday morning before winds taper off somewhat Wednesday afternoon. A brief period of light northeasterly offshore winds may occur late Wednesday night into Thursday morning, but will end altogether by Thursday afternoon. Warmer weather with less wind is expected to return Friday which will last into next week.