The first Santa Ana wind event of the season is driving temperatures into the 90s and increasing fire danger across Pasadena and surrounding areas Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Heat advisories are in effect from 10:00 a.m. Tuesday through Wednesday for coastal valleys, mountains and beaches in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Wind advisories remain active until 4:00 p.m. Tuesday in wind-prone corridors, with gusts reaching 35 to 50 mph.
Pasadena is forecast to reach a high of 91 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday, about 10 to 15 degrees above normal. Winds in the city are expected to remain light, between 5 and 10 mph, but stronger gusts are possible in nearby foothill communities.
Humidity levels are dropping into the teens in areas affected by the strongest winds. The NWS said elevated to critical fire weather conditions are expected through Wednesday, particularly in the eastern San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Susana Mountains and southeastern Ventura valleys.
The Santa Ana winds are being driven by a high-pressure system to the east and low pressure to the west, creating strong offshore pressure gradients. The winds are expected to weaken by Thursday, allowing for a slight cooling trend.
Thursday’s high in Pasadena is forecast near 89 degrees, with patchy fog returning overnight. Temperatures will remain above normal through the weekend, with highs in the mid-80s and no rain expected.
Looking ahead, the NWS said a ridge of high pressure will continue to dominate the region through early next week.
Forecast for Pasadena from the National Weather Service as of 4:03 a.m. Tuesday:
Today: Sunny, with a high near 91. North northwest wind around 5 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 91. North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. North northeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the morning.
Thursday Night: Patchy fog after 11:00 p.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.
Friday: Patchy fog before 11:00 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 57.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 85.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 59.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 85.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 81.
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