A Severe Fire Weather Watch is in effect for portions of California through 16 October 2026, 22:00, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The watch covers Western Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area; Eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area; Santa Susana Mountains; Southern Ventura County Mountains; Northern Ventura County Mountains; Interstate 5 Corridor; Western San Gabriel Mountains and Highway 14 Corridor; Eastern San Gabriel Mountains. The watch was issued 13 October 2026, 09:37.
A Fire Weather Watch indicates conditions may become favorable for critical fire weather. The watch notes Northeast winds 20 to 40 mph with gusts of 50 to 70 mph and Relative Humidity…Minimums of 8 to 20 percent common. The description states a high risk for extreme fire behavior with any new fire starts and that watches may be upgraded to Red Flag Warnings.
Please prepare calmly. Follow guidance from local authorities or emergency services and be ready to call 911 if you need immediate assistance. Avoid all outdoor burning and open flames. Properly discard cigarettes and maintain defensible space by clearing dry vegetation near structures. Monitor official updates and evacuation instructions from local agencies and emergency services.
