LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A red flag warning signifying a high risk of wildfire will be in effect in the Southland through Monday evening because of gusty winds and very low humidity in much of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
The National Weather Service said that strong and gusty north-to- northeast winds will buffet the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, including the Interstate 5 Corridor. Other areas expecting gusty north-to-northeast winds include the Santa Monica Mountains, the Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys, Ventura County Valleys, and the Los Angeles County coast.
North winds will spread into the L.A. Basin overnight, then become northeast between Malibu and the Hollywood Hills, meaning most of metropolitan Los Angeles, the weather service said.
Wind gusts in these areas will be in the 40-to-50 mile-per-hour range, with gusts of up to 55 mph in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Humidity levels are expected to lower drop into the single digits and teens for many areas on Monday. Hot temperatures are also expected from the coast to the foothills of Ventura and Los Angeles Counties Monday afternoon, according to the NWS.
"The combination of the strong gusty winds, low humidities and very warm daytime temperatures will result in critical Red Flag conditions for these areas," warned the NWS.
The red flag warning will be in effect until 7 p.m. in the San Gabriel Mountains, where north winds of 25 to 40 mph are expected, along with 60- mph gusts, amid humidity levels of 6-15 percent.
"If fire ignition occurs, conditions will be favorable for extreme fire behavior, which would threaten life and property," warned the NWS.
The red flag warning will also be in effect until 7 p.m. in the Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational area, the L.A County coast and inland Orange County.
Also in effect until 7 p.m. is a heat advisory in both coastal and inland Orange County, where temperatures will climb to the low 90s Monday.
"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicle sunder any circumstance," warned the NWS.