Another round of gusty Santa Ana winds will lift the fire danger starting Tuesday in parts of the Southland.

National Weather Service forecasters said winds could begin ramping up as early as Monday night, with “weak to moderate” Santa Ana winds anticipated for Tuesday through Thursday.

“Winds will peak Tuesday into Wednesday, but look much more localized than earlier projections,” according to the NWS. “Peak wind gusts of 30 to 45 mph are expected over the favored mountains and hills. The favored valleys will also be breezy, with peak gusts of 20 to 30 mph.”

Humidity levels, meanwhile, are anticipated to remain low — under 10% — in higher mountain elevations, and between 8% and 20% in lower mountains and valleys.

A red flag warning of critical wildfire danger will be in effect from 7 a.m. Tuesday through 6 p.m. Wednesday for the Western San Gabriel Mountains, the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway corridor, the Santa Clarita Valley, Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Calabasas and the western San Fernando Valley. Once the red flag warning expires, a less-severe fire weather watch will be in place for the same areas through Thursday afternoon, according to the NWS.

The gusting winds will prompt a warming trend in the area that is expected to continue through the week. Forecasters noted that the result for New Year’s Day will be “picture postcard weather with sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s, up 5 to 10 degrees from Tuesday and about 8 degrees over normal.”

Temperatures will rise again slightly on Thursday, which is expected to be the warmest day of the week, with temperatures in the 70s or even low 80s for the coasts and valleys. Friday will be slightly cooler, but temperatures will still be above normal.

Above Source: KNX News 97.1 FM

Monitoring scanner frequencies during Santa Ana wind events can provide real-time updates on fire danger, including fire outbreaks, containment efforts, and emergency responses in Southern California, particularly around Los Angeles. Here’s a guide on how to listen in:

• Antenna:
  • A good antenna can make a significant difference, especially for distant signals or in areas with many buildings or hills. Consider a discone antenna for wide coverage or a directional Yagi for focusing on a specific area.

Best Practices:

• Stay Updated: Frequencies can change, especially with the shift to digital and encrypted systems. Check resources like RadioReference.com or local scanner forums for the latest information.
• Community Engagement: Use the information responsibly, perhaps by alerting others to evacuations or road closures without spreading panic or misinformation.
• Backup Power: Given the high risk of power outages during fire events, consider having a battery-powered or solar-powered scanner.
• Multiple Sources: Don’t rely solely on scanners; complement your listening with local news, social media from official sources, and weather apps for comprehensive situation awareness.

Key Frequencies:

Los Angeles City Fire Department:

• Fire Dispatch South: 859.4375 MHz
• Fire Dispatch North: 858.4375 MHz
• Alternate Control – Brush/River Rescue: 856.9375 MHz
• Alternate Control – Structure Fire Incidents: 857.2375 MHz
• Fire Command: 860.7625 MHz

Los Angeles County Fire Department:

• Countywide Dispatch: 483.750
• Countywide Admin/Alternate: 483.550

Other Relevant Frequencies:

• California Highway Patrol (CHP): For road closures or evacuations:
• Los Angeles Sheriff Department: For law enforcement response during fire events:
• National Weather Service (NWS): For weather updates crucial during Santa Ana winds:
  • NOAA Weather Radio: 162.400 MHz, 162.425 MHz, 162.450 MHz, 162.475 MHz, 162.500 MHz, 162.525 MHz, 162.550 MHz (these are broadcast frequencies, not two-way communications)

A complete list of frequencies for Los Angeles County can be found at Radioreference.com.