Intensifying winds threaten to fan massive Thomas Fire in California late this week
Strengthening winds will challenge crews and put additional lives and property at risk in California late this week as the historic Thomas Fire continues to rage.
As of Thursday, Dec. 14, the blaze's acreage has soared to 238,500 acres, putting it fifth on the list of the top 20 largest California wildfires.
The Thomas fire burns through Los Padres National Forest near Ojai, Calif., on Friday, Dec. 8, 2017. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
The wildfire, located in Ventura County, has destroyed over 900 structures since it sparked on Monday, Dec. 4. A total of 18,000 structures remain threatened. One death has been attributed to the blaze.
Several other fires continue to char acreage in Southern California, including the Skirball, Creek and Lilac fires, but firefighters have gained the upper hand on these blazes.
Into Wednesday night, winds have not been as strong this week, when compared to when the firestorm began earlier in December. However, as a storm with no precipitation drops southward across the interior Southwest, winds will kick up on Thursday.
On Thursday, the strongest winds will occur during the midday and into the evening hours with gusts between 40 and 50 mph in the canyons and passes. Gusts can reach 60 mph in mountainous areas.
"The danger of new wildfires will remain high with very warm and very dry offshore flow continuing across Southern California," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jack Boston said.
Temperatures will average 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit above normal in the 70s and lower 80s F through the week. In Southern California, December typically features highs in the 60s F. Cooler and more seasonable air will settle in during Friday and Saturday.
Winds are projected to ease back from Friday to Saturday morning.
However, persistent rain-free conditions and the return of a moderate Santa Ana event by Sunday may negate the less extreme warmth for firefighting efforts.
"No matter how you look at it, the fire danger will rise again over the weekend," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Ken Clark said.
Winds will kick up over parts of Northern California on Saturday, then spread southward as the weekend progresses.
Regardless of Santa Ana winds, blazes as large as the Thomas Fire can create their own wind, which can trigger erratic fire behavior and rapid fire growth.
"Where and when winds ease at night through next week, smoke may gather and fill some valley locations, which will challenge firefighters and those venturing outdoors," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said.
The elderly and those with respiratory issues should wear a protective mask when venturing outdoors or limit time outdoors altogether.
Given the continued threat for wildfire ignition and growth into the weekend, residents should have a plan in place and an emergency kit stocked with medications and important documents at the ready in case an evacuation is issued. Keeping your pets leashes, crates and other necessary items near the door can also help save precious time in the event of an evacuation.
