A Red Flag Warning is still in effect for the Santa Clarita Valley as gusty Santa Ana winds continue making for dangerous fire conditions. 

For the rest of Monday into the evening, northeast Santa Ana winds are predicted to be around 35 to 50 mph before they start to diminish, said Rich Thompson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS).  

When Will The Red Flag Warning End?

“We do have a Red Flag Warning in effect until 10 p.m.,” Thompson said. 

As of 11:30 a.m., it is unknown if the NWS will extend the Red Flag Warning.

What is a Red Flag Warning?

“A Red Flag Warning is issued for weather events which may result in extreme fire behavior that will occur within 24 hours,” according to Cal Fire. “A Red Flag Warning is the highest alert. During these times extreme caution is urged by all residents, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire.”

A Red Flag Warning will go into effect when:

The relative humidity is 15 percent or less with sustained winds 25 mph or greater or frequent gusts of 35 mph or greater in a duration of six hours or more. 

The second criterion is when relative humidity is 10 percent or less with either sustained winds at 15 mph or greater or frequent gusts of 25 mph or greater in a duration of six hours or more. 

Lastly, if there is widespread and/or significant dry lightning, according to NWS officials.  

Since 4 a.m. Monday near triple digits wind speeds have been recorded near the Santa Clarita Valley. 

Peak wind speeds since 4 a.m. Monday, Oct. 30

•  Magic Mountain Truck Trail (SCE) – 91 mph
• Newhall Pass (SCE) – 45 mph

• Solemint Motorway (SCE) – 46 mph
• Newhall Pass RAWS – 40 mph
• Magic Mountain (SCE) – 39 mph
• Soledad Canyon/Poppy Meadow – 39 mph
• Saugus – 38 mph
• Oak Spring Canyon (SCE) – 36 mph
• Sierra-Dolan (SCE) – 35 mph
• Vasquez Canyon Road (SCE) — 35 mph
• Arline Street (SCE) – 35 mph

Temperatures are expected to warm up towards the 80s by the middle of the week, as wind speeds diminish, according to Thompson.

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