Quick answer
Santa Ana winds are dry, warm gusts that blow from the desert toward the coast, most common from September through May with the strongest events often in fall and winter. Before a Santa Ana event, secure or store loose patio furniture, trim dead or weak branches, and clear dry leaves and debris from gutters and yards to reduce wind and fire hazards.
What Santa Ana winds are, and when
Santa Ana winds occur when high pressure over the desert Southwest pushes dry air westward through the mountain passes toward the Los Angeles Basin. As that air descends toward sea level it compresses and warms, arriving as strong, dry, often warm gusts — the opposite of the usual ocean breeze.
These winds are most common during the cooler months, roughly September through May, and can raise wildfire risk sharply because they combine wind speed with very low humidity.
Secure loose items before the wind arrives
A watch or warning from the National Weather Service is a good signal to walk the yard:
- Bring in or tie down patio furniture, umbrellas, and planters
- Store or secure trash cans and lightweight decorations
- Check that trellises, fences, and shade structures are anchored well
Trim dead or weak branches ahead of time
Dead or cracked branches are the most likely to snap in strong gusts and cause damage. If you notice hanging or split limbs, it's worth having them removed before the next windy stretch rather than after.
Clear dry debris and gutters
Dry leaves, pine needles, and dead plant material are lightweight fuel — they blow into piles against fences and homes, and they add to ember risk near structures during fire weather. Clearing gutters and beds before a wind event reduces both the mess and the fire hazard.
After the wind passes
Walk the yard for downed branches, scattered debris, and toppled pots once winds die down. A quick cleanup after a Santa Ana event keeps small messes from turning into bigger yard problems.
Common questions
Official sources
Rules and programs change. Confirm current details on these pages.
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