THE SOUTHLAND FIRESTORM: WEEK TWO : Is Relief in Sight?
The Santa Ana winds are expected to ease today, and forecasters do not foresee more such winds for at least a week. But the ultimate solution, winter rains, are still not in sight.
A HOT AIR BLOWER
A high pressure system spun hot winds over Southern California again Tuesday. A weak low pressure helped draw the winds toward the coast. The greater the distance between the high and low, the greater the wind speed.
A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR: As air descends down the mountains, it warms about 5 degrees per 1,000 feet. This effect helps dry out the Southland.
Air mass held back by mountains northeast of Los Angeles.
1) Air loses moisture as it moves up mountains.
2) Wind speed increases as air funnels through canyons.
BREAKDOWN EXPECTED TODAY
Beginning today, the high pressure system is expected to break down and move east and south. The low pressure system is also expected to weaken.
WHEN THE RAINS ARRIVE
Typically, rains begin to move into the Southland in November. Here are normal precipitation levels, by month, at the Civic Center.
Source: WeatherData Inc.; “Weather of U.S. Cities
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