The Santa Ana winds, occasionally referred to as the devil winds, [1] [2] are strong, extremely dry katabatic winds that originate inland and affect coastal Southern California and northern Baja California. They originate from cool, dry high-pressure air masses in the Great Basin.

Santa Ana winds are dry and warm winds from the Great Basin, an area that incorporates large parts of the states of Nevada and Utah. They start in the Basin's inland deserts, east and north of Southern California, and flow downward, taking a turn toward the Pacific Ocean.

Jan 7, 2025 · What are Santa Ana winds? Santa Anas are dry, warm and gusty northeast winds that blow from the interior of Southern California toward the coast and offshore, moving in the opposite direction of the normal onshore flow that carries moist air from the Pacific into the region.

Jan 9, 2025 · Multiple wildfires are burning in Los Angeles, fueled by Santa Ana winds. NPR speaks with a National Weather Service meteorologist about why these winds can be so dangerous and destructive.

Jan 8, 2025 · Santa Ana winds can bring disruptive impacts to daily life in Los Angeles and parts of southern California, but when coupled with wildfires they can escalate the situation rapidly, causing the...

Jan 9, 2025 · Every year between fall and spring, Southern Californians experience gusts of dry wind that can cause runny noses or watery eyes — and sometimes powerful enough to halt traffic or topple trees....

Jan 7, 2025 · A Santa Ana wind event is fueling wildfires in Los Angeles that have destroyed homes and forced the evacuation of thousands of people. Here’s what to know about the winds.

Jan 9, 2025 · What causes the Santa Ana winds? The Santa Ana winds are dry, powerful winds that blow down the mountains toward the Southern California coast. The region sees about 10 Santa Ana wind events a year on average, typically occurring from fall into January. When conditions are dry, as they are right now, these winds can become a severe fire hazard.

4 days ago · Fires driven by Santa Ana winds, the infamous gusts that howl in over the mountains to the city’s north, account for about 90 percent of the area burned by fall and winter wildfires in Southern ...

Jan 9, 2025 · What are Santa Ana winds? Santa Ana winds flow east to west through Southern California's mountains, according to the National Weather Service. They begin when winds from the desert flow westward ...