Another round of strong, dry winds is increasing the risk of wildfires across California

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California braced Tuesday for another round of strong winds that will cause a drop in humidity and increase the risk of wildfires across much of the state.

For the second time in three weeks a “Diablo Wind” – notorious for its hot, dry gusts in the fall – was expected to develop across Northern California starting this evening.

Meteorologists have issued fire warnings through Thursday from the central coast through the San Francisco Bay Area to counties north.

According to the National Weather Service, sustained winds of 25 mph (40 km/h) are expected in many areas, with possible gusts of over 55 mph (88.5 km/h) on mountain peaks.

During one Diablo Windoften in the fall, the air is so dry that relative humidity drops, vegetation dries out and is ready to burn. The name – “Diablo” is Spanish for “devil” – is used informally for a hot wind that blows inland toward the coast near the San Francisco region as high pressure builds to the west.

Pacific Gas & Electric Co. said it was prepared to shut off power to a small number of customers starting late Tuesday in areas where strong gusts could damage electrical equipment and start fires.

Targeted power shutdowns were also possible in Southern California, where another notorious weather phenomenon, the Santa Ana winds, was expected to strengthen on Wednesday and Thursday.

Winds in the greater Los Angeles area will likely be stronger than in the north, with gusts up to 80 miles per hour (129 kph) and even higher in mountainous areas, the National Weather Service said. A high wind warning was issued for much of LA and Ventura counties beginning early Wednesday.