The strongest Santa Ana event of the year is expected for the Santa Clarita Valley with wind gusts to peak Thursday. 

On Wednesday, northerly winds throughout the Santa Clarita Valley have begun and are expected to increase and become northeast winds known as Santa Ana winds early Thursday morning, said Rich Thompson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS). 

On Wednesday, northern winds are expected to be 25 to 30 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, according to Thompson.

By 1 a.m. Thursday, winds are expected to slightly change direction becoming Santa Ana winds.

“We have the potential for wind gusts in the morning and afternoon around 55 to 65 mph,” Thompson said.

This will be the strongest Santa Ana event of the year, according to officials. 

Although the Santa Clarita Valley is set to receive winds associated with brush fires, the moisture in the vegetation is too high for fire concerns.

However, due to the recent rains, there is a higher likelihood of trees falling in the strong winds.

Back in January of 2021, a condo building in Valencia was evacuated after an approximately 30 foot eucalyptus tree came down in similar conditions that we are expected to see this week. 

Winds are expected to be the strongest between 6 a.m. through 2 p.m. Thursday, before they begin to weaken, according to officials.

By the end of the weekend into next week, temperatures are expected to be in the low 70s, according to Thompson.

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