US, Los Angeles: Santa Clarita Santa Ana Winds Intensify Overnight for Friday Peak.

Los Angeles, United States - October 16, 2026 10/16/2026 02:05 am GMT-0700 SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – Santa Ana winds are expected to intensify overnight Thursday and peak Friday morning, bringing strong gusts and heightened wildfire danger to the Santa Clarita Valley. Winds are forecast to increase before dawn Friday, with the strongest gusts sweeping through exposed foothills, canyons, and mountain passes. Across wind-prone portions of Los Angeles County, gusts could reach 40 to 60 mph, with isolated mountain gusts of 60 to 70 mph. For Santa Clarita, the combination of powerful winds, warm temperatures, and low humidity could allow a fire to spread quickly. Humidity was expected to drop into the 5% to 15% range across parts of the region Friday, with little moisture recovery overnight. The strongest winds are expected Friday morning before easing somewhat during the afternoon and evening. Gusty conditions could continue into Saturday, prolonging fire weather concerns even after the event’s peak.