Public Safety
Red flag warning set for Los Angeles and Ventura counties
Santa Ana winds and very low humidity are expected to create a high risk of extreme fire behavior from Thursday morning through Friday night.
The National Weather Service’s Los Angeles/Oxnard office issued a red flag warning for most valleys, coastal areas and mountains of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The warning is in effect from 6 a.m. Thursday, October 15, until 10 p.m. Friday, October 16.
Forecasters expect northeast-to-east winds of 20 to 30 mph across many valleys and coastal areas, with gusts of 40 to 50 mph and isolated gusts of 50 to 60 mph in the hills. Mountain areas could see gusts of 50 to 70 mph. Minimum relative humidity may fall to 5% to 15% in valleys and coastal areas and 8% to 20% in the mountains.
Warning period: 6 a.m. Thursday to 10 p.m. Friday
Affected region: Most valleys, coasts and mountains in Los Angeles and Ventura counties
Main hazards: Rapid fire growth, downed trees or power lines, and possible power outages
Officials urge preparation
The weather service said the strongest winds should develop Thursday afternoon and continue through Friday afternoon. Dry air is expected to erase the helpful effects of recent rain, and the warning could linger into Saturday in the windiest locations.
Los Angeles County posted its own critical-fire-weather alert Tuesday. Residents are advised to avoid activities that can spark a wildfire, secure outdoor objects, prepare for possible outages and be ready to evacuate if a fire starts near a wildland area. The warning describes dangerous weather conditions; it does not mean a new wildfire is burning.
Sources: National Weather Service warning — issued October 13, 2026 → · NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard forecast office → · Los Angeles County critical fire-weather alert →