Wildfires in California: The Role of Santa Ana Winds
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles has warned that critical weather conditions for the fires will continue until Wednesday, with experts predicting the worst winds to occur between Tuesday and Wednesday. The death toll has risen to 24 in the city of Los Angeles, with California Governor Gavin Newsom stating that there are likely to be many more deaths in the wildfires.
The Devastating Impact of the Fires
A week after the fires began, authorities are overwhelmed, unable to put out the devastating fires that have destroyed 1,800 structures and damaged another 10,000. The main factor behind the fire is the Santa Ana winds, which are common in southern California during the coldest months of the year, from October to March.
Understanding the Santa Ana Winds
The Santa Ana winds originate from high-pressure areas over the Mojave Desert and are named after Santa Ana Canyon in Southern California. According to the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at UCLA, these winds are dry, violent, and hot. They form when the desert is relatively cold, and high pressure builds up over the Great Basin, causing cold air to sink through the valleys.
The Dangers of the Santa Ana Winds
The Santa Ana winds act in a dangerous way, as they are fast winds that can reach speeds of between 50 and 70 km/h, with gusts that sometimes exceed 100 km/h in mountainous areas and canyons. These winds dry out the vegetation and increase the risk of forest fires. Once a fire occurs, the winds fan the flames and accelerate their spread.
The Impact on Rescue Operations
The Santa Ana winds can also hinder rescue operations by immobilizing aircraft and emergency services assets. Strong winds can affect water droplets, making it difficult for planes to reach directly into the fire.
A Part of American Mythology
The Santa Ana winds are known as the “devil winds” or “red winds” and are part of American mythology. In his story “Red Wind,” Raymond Chandler wrote about the winds, describing them as hot, dry, and violent.