High temperatures and gusty winds prompt red flag warning
Angelenos and other Southern California residents buckle up because the heat is coming. A forecast of triple-digit heat paired with gusty winds pushed the National Weather Service to issue a red flag warning for numerous parts of Southern California.
Beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, and lasting until 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, Southern California’s mountainous regions are expected to feel the worst of it. San Luis Obispo County Mountains, Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains, North and South Ventura County Mountains, as well as the West San Gabriel Mountains are some of the areas to keep an eye on. Other locations include Cuyama Valley, the I-5 Freeway corridor and the Highway 14 corridor.
The expected gusty winds are not dissimilar to those of the Palisades Fire or the Eaton Fire that tore through Los Angeles back in Jan. of 2025. Angelenos are still recovering from the devastation of those fires and breathing in fresh memories as rebuilt homes and communal spaces just recently opened their doors. As these conditions pose a high risk for fast-moving fires, the NWS pushes for extreme caution in the coming days.
Heat alone also comes with risk. Young children, infants, older adults, pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of health complications during extreme heat. The NWS reminds us to stay hydrated, keep to the shade, and never leave children or pets in cars unattended.
As the NWS suggests, take care of yourself, your family and your community, and be sure to stay informed on any weather-related updates. And also take caution: Fires can’t spread if they never even start. See weather.gov for more information.