Thunderstorms, increased fire risk in LA County forecast – NBC Los Angeles

The National Weather Service warned Tuesday of possible thunderstorms and gusty winds in parts of Los Angeles County beginning after midnight Tuesday through Wednesday evening.

On its Twitter page, the Weather Service warned of an increased risk of fire “through the coming week due to hot, low-humidity conditions.”

Noting “the risk of dry flashes,” the agency warned that “any new fire will grow rapidly!”

The forecast called for clear skies through Tuesday evening, followed by partly cloudy conditions and a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Temperatures will range overnight in the high 50s to mid 60s, with winds reaching around 35 miles per hour in some areas.

As monsoon moisture flows into Southern California from Santa Barbara County, the storms will be most prevalent over the mountains and deserts Wednesday, according to the NWS.

The thunderstorms could produce strong gusty winds and brief heavy downpours.

Meanwhile, a drier southwesterly current will develop on Thursday, with a slight chance of more thunderstorms in the afternoon, mainly over the mountains, followed by drier and warmer conditions on Friday and Saturday.

The Weather Service advised people to take precautions during thunderstorm activity – saying: “When the thunder is raging, get indoors!”

The agency also advised hikers to get below tree lines during lightning activity.