####018001851#### FNUS21 KWNS 181630 FWDDY1 Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1029 AM CST Wed Dec 18 2024 Valid 181700Z - 191200Z ...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR PORTIONS OF LOS ANGELES AND VENTURA COUNTIES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA... No changes to the ongoing forecast. Elevated to near-critical fire weather is ongoing in the typical Santa Ana corridors this morning. Given the observed magnitude of the offshore gradient this morning, a few hours of critical fire weather remain possible today as RH falls in conjunction with surface heating. ..Wendt.. 12/18/2024 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 0157 AM CST Wed Dec 18 2024/ ...Synopsis... Mid-level ridging over the western US is forecast to intensify through the forecast period, as the overall flow pattern amplifies. Surface high pressure over the Great Basin will continue to build, supporting offshore flow across parts of southern CA. Santa Ana winds, in combination with low RH values, should allow for several hours of elevated to critical fire-weather conditions across southern CA. ...Southern CA... High pressure in the Great Basin will drive offshore winds across parts of southern California early this morning, continuing through the afternoon. With the offshore pressure gradient remaining fairly strong (-4 to -6 mb) through the first half of the day, gusts of 40-50 mph through the terrain-favored corridors and on ridge tops are expected. Several hours of critical fire weather conditions are likely across portions of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, with RH values below 15%. Winds are expected to slowly diminish during the evening and overnight as the pressure gradient weakens into early D2/Thur. ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... $$