The blazing Los Angeles wildfire has killed 24 people, while destroyed thousands of homes. On Sunday, firefighters were scrambled to make further progress against the wildfires, however, weather forecasters have again warned of dangerous weather with the return of strong winds this week, as reported by news agency the Associated Press (AP).
As of now, at least 16 people were missing, and authorities added that number was expected to rise.
A post by the National Weather Service on X (formerly Twitter) reads,
“Monday’s National Forecast Chart:
Critical fire weather conditions will continue for coastal southern California including the areas of the Palisades and Eaton fires through Wednesday due to moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds. Red Flag Warnings are in effect.
A fresh Arctic blast will encompass much of the eastern half of the U.S. through the middle of this week before milder temperatures briefly return by week’s end. Heavy lake effect snow is expected in the Great Lakes. “
Monday’s National Forecast Chart:
Critical fire weather conditions will continue for coastal southern California including the areas of the Palisades and Eaton fires through Wednesday due to moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds. Red Flag Warnings are in effect.
A fresh… pic.twitter.com/mhjSZi8b0F
— National Weather Service (@NWS) January 13, 2025
The weather service has also issued red flag warnings for severe fire conditions through Wednesday. The alert outlined that the area will face sustained winds of 50 mph (80 kph) and gusts in the mountains reaching 70 mph (113 kph).
However, weather service meteorologist Rich Thompson said that the most dangerous day will be Tuesday, as reported by the AP.
At a community meeting on Saturday, Thompson said, “You’re going to have really strong gusty Santa Ana winds, a very dry atmosphere and still very dry brush, so we still have some very critical fire weather conditions out there.”
According to the Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone, about 70 additional water trucks have arrived to assist firefighters to douse the flames spread by renewed gusts. Marrone said that they are prepared for the upcoming wind event.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said that 12 people were missing within the Eaton Fire zone and four were missing from the Palisades Fire. Out of 24 deaths, 16 are resulted from Eaton Fire, while eight are from the Palisades Fire.
As per the latest data from The New York Times, the Palisades fire is 11 per cent contained, while Eaton fire is 27 per cent contained. Hurst fire is 89 per cent contained, and Lidia and Kenneth fires are 100 per cent contained.
