Southern California is expected to experience strong Santa Ana winds this week, bringing powerful gusts, hazardous travel conditions, and the possibility of power outages in mountain and coastal areas.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a High Wind Warning for parts of Southern California, forecasting north winds of 30 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph.
Affected areas include the Interstate 5 Corridor, the Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains, and mountain regions of Ventura County.
Forecasters say strong north winds are expected Thursday morning, with windy conditions continuing through the weekend. The wind event is linked to a trough positioned over the Great Basin, which is helping strengthen winds across Southern California.
These conditions allow air to sink and accelerate over the region, increasing wind speeds at the surface. Gusty winds are expected to be strongest in mountain and exposed areas during the morning hours before easing later in the day.
Even after the initial peak, windy conditions are expected to continue across parts of the region.
Winds will be increasing today and peaking tonight into Thursday. Stay safe out there neighbors. #cawx pic.twitter.com/ImVGGVs1wJ
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) March 4, 2026
According to the NWS, the weather pattern will shift Friday as winds turn from northerly to a Santa Ana pattern. During this period, sustained winds are expected to range from 20 to 30 mph, with stronger gusts possible in mountain and foothill areas.
Saturday could bring the strongest winds as atmospheric conditions align with surface wind flow. Gusty conditions may continue into Sunday morning before gradually weakening.
Temperatures across Southern California are expected to remain steady over the next two days before a broader warming trend develops through the weekend.
The NWS forecast for Thursday calls for highs between 69 and 74 degrees along the coast. Western valleys and inland Orange County could see temperatures between 71 and 76 degrees, while inland valleys may reach 66 to 73 degrees.
In mountain areas between 4,000 and 7,000 feet, highs are expected between 47 and 58 degrees. The high desert may see temperatures between 59 and 64 degrees, while the low desert could reach 74 to 79 degrees.
On Friday, coastal highs are forecast between 70 and 74 degrees. Western valleys and inland Orange County may see temperatures between 72 and 76 degrees, while inland valleys could reach 65 to 72 degrees. Mountain regions are expected to see highs between 46 and 56 degrees, and the high desert may range between 58 and 63 degrees.
Overall, temperatures are expected to rise through the weekend, with many areas across Southern California likely to reach the 70s and even 80s by Sunday.
Officials warn that blowing debris, falling branches, and sudden wind gusts could create hazardous driving conditions. In some areas, strong winds may knock down trees or power lines, potentially causing localized power outages.
According to NASA, Santa Ana winds form when high pressure builds over the interior western US while lower pressure develops near the Southern California coast. This pressure difference produces the strong, dry winds known as Santa Ana winds.
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