What are the Santa Ana winds?
The National Center for Disaster Prevention (Cenapred) explains that the Santa Ana Winds have their origin in a high pressure area located in the Great Basin and the upper Mojave Desert in California, as they cross the mountain passes They can reach the strength of hurricanes.
The combination of wind, heat and dryness turns the chaparral into fertile fuel for the fires that often devastate the region.
Cenapred
It occurs during autumn and early winter in the southern california (EU) and in the northern part of Baja California in Mexico.
The Santa Ana winds can cause dryness in the living and dead vegetation in the area, which makes it easier for forest fires to spread, affecting the flora and fauna, in addition to damage to roads, falling trees and electric power poles; in addition to causing respiratory diseases.
Recommendations during the Santa Ana wind season
- Do not burn garbage or grasslands. Do not light bonfires or throw away cigarette butts. Winds can increase the range of flames.
- Stay away from billboards or large objects such as poles, trees or palm trees. Keep an eye on the wiring, electrical and telephone lines, as they can fall due to the force of the wind.
- If you drive through the state, reduce your speed when driving and do so with caution in case of smoke or dust.
- Protect yourself from sudden changes in temperature.
- Be sure to keep flammable objects such as matches, fireworks, or lighters out of children’s reach.
- If you see a fire, call 911.
In Mexico there is no particular forecast for Santa Ana winds; however, the National Weather Service It prepares wind forecasts that can be consulted on its social networks.
