INLAND EMPIRE: Gusty wind belts are expanding to cover most of Southern California through Wednesday. Winds of 25-35 miles an hour will be common but areas below the mountains will be hit with stronger episodes to 55 mph.

All of the Southland is very dry, even the coastal areas. The wildfire danger is described as very high.

Some relief may be coming. An onshore flow will return with weaker winds and cooler days for Friday and Saturday. There will be a slight (15%) chance for light precipitation for the weekend, mainly west of the mountains.

Going beyond that, the current scenario doesn’t offer much improvement. By early next week, the current pattern reasserts itself as dry conditions with periods of offshore winds returns.

Southern California is nearing the mid-point in the so-called 5-month ‘rainy season’.

Story Date: January 13, 2025