More than 20 million people across Southern California are facing warnings over powerful Santa Ana winds that could reach 80mph, with forecasters cautioning that some gusts may approach 90mph.
The fierce winds are expected to sweep across the region from Thursday through the weekend, raising concerns about damaged properties, falling trees, downed power lines and the potential spread of wildfires.
Southern California Braces for Hurricane-Force Winds
The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned residents across the region to prepare for possible power outages through midnight on Saturday as the dangerous weather develops.
In a statement, NWS officials said: “Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”
Gusts exceeding 75mph are comparable to the sustained wind speeds associated with a Category 1 hurricane, while AccuWeather has warned that the strongest gusts could reach 90mph in some locations.
The affected areas include Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, where the winds are expected to bring hot, dry conditions.
Temperatures Set to Climb Into the 90s
The arrival of the Santa Ana winds is expected to coincide with a sharp rise in temperatures across Southern California.
Forecasts indicate that temperatures in Los Angeles and San Diego could return to the 90s through the weekend, adding to the hot and dry conditions accompanying the powerful gusts.
Santa Ana winds develop when high-pressure systems over Northern California, Nevada and Utah push air towards the southern part of the state.
As the air descends from the mountains towards the Pacific Coast, it becomes warmer and drier.
The resulting winds can reach considerable speeds, particularly when weather conditions combine to accelerate their movement through mountain passes and towards coastal communities.
Why Santa Ana Winds Are Known as ‘Devil Winds’
The winds have earned the nickname “devil winds” because of their association with dangerous wildfire conditions across California.
Their strength can carry burning embers and sparks over long distances, allowing fires to spread rapidly through dry vegetation.
The combination of low humidity, elevated temperatures and powerful gusts makes the conditions particularly concerning during periods of heightened fire danger.
Santa Ana winds have been linked to several major Southern California wildfires, including devastating fires in January 2025.
The Eaton, Hughes and Palisades fires were associated with a combination of Santa Ana conditions, winds reaching between 60mph and 100mph, very low humidity and local drought conditions.
Together, the disasters burned across nearly 50,000 acres in Los Angeles County and reportedly killed at least 30 people.
Santa Ana winds have also been linked to multiple fires in Southern California during 2025, with one blaze already connected to the conditions this month.
Utilities Warn of Possible Preventive Power Cuts
The threat of wildfires has also prompted concern over electricity supplies, with utilities potentially cutting power in areas experiencing dangerous fire weather.
AccuWeather explained that temporary electricity shutoffs may be used to reduce the risk of electrical equipment starting fires during periods of strong winds.
In its forecast, the weather service stated: “Utilities may temporarily shut off electricity in areas facing dangerous fire weather to reduce the risk of power equipment sparking wildfires.”
The potential outages are expected to be concentrated in areas where the combination of strong winds and dry conditions presents an elevated wildfire risk.
