California Warmth, Fire Weather Continues

In this Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012 photo, a firefighting helicopter makes a drop with a water bucket over a fire in the Angeles National Forest near Glendora, Calif. A wildfire that broke out in the Angeles National Forest has cut short the Labor Day holiday weekend for thousands of visitors who flock to the popular recreational attraction. The fire broke out near a campground Sunday afternoon and quickly grew to 3,600 acres, or about 5 1/2 square miles. (AP Photo/Rick McClure)

The warm, late-summer fire weather pattern will continue over California this week.

Brush which has had all summer to dry out, combined with surging temperatures is increasing the risk of wildfires.

While winds will be relatively light and the humidity will hover in the moderate range during the night times and early morning hours, the dry brush and high temperatures during the day are enough to cause some problems.

High temperatures are forecast to run slightly above normal through the week over California and much of the Southwest in general.

The cause of the San Gabriel Canyon fire was still being investigated Monday.

Officials banned visitors in the region for safety concerns and firefighting efforts. Thousands of visitors typically visit the area during the holiday weekend.

The fire spread quickly up the sides of the canyon and rapidly grew to approximately 4,000 acres.

People are urged to be careful with outdoor power equipment, grills and campfires.

The weather pattern remains favorable for spotty afternoon and evening thunderstorm activity. The greatest risk of a drenching storm lies from Arizona to Colorado much of the week. However, there is a chance of tropical moisture enhancing thunderstorms over the mountains in California by Wednesday.

The circulation around John well to the south could pump moisture and spotty thunderstorms into the region during the second half of this week.

While far from the most dangerous weather conditions we have see, people still need to be careful with open flames and equipment outdoors this time of the year.

While a few of the storms over the Southwest can bring drenching downpours, many of the storms will bring little or no rainfall and the risk of lightning induced wildfires.

Related articles

• Brush fire in San Gabriel Mountains grows to more than 4,000 acres – @nbcla
• Wildfire in Southern California’s Angeles National Forest grows to 4,000 acres, chases out holiday campers
• Drenching Storms to Hit NYC, Philly on Tuesday
• Wildfire in Southern CA forest grows by 500 acres

About James Smith
James is a father of four and grandfather to four cute little bugs. He and his wife Beautiful Gorgeous, of almost 30 years, have been prepping since 2003.
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