Los Angeles in California is one of the regions that has strong winds. Sometimes, the winds could ignite the wildfire. The most famous wind is Santa Ana which is dry, hot, and high-speed. Why are the LA winds so strong that the local authorities are alerted when they blow to LA?
There are many factors that cause the winds in Los Angeles to be strong. Besides meteorological factors, there are some geographic factors because the location of this city is close to the sea. To know further about the wind that usually blows to LA, here is an explanation to help your understanding.
Reasons Why Are The LA Winds So Strong
1. Natural high-pressure system
Some parts of California, including Nevada and Utah have Great Basin. This basin is naturally made and has a significant role because it is inhabited as well. The strong pressure comes from this area, then the wind blows to the lower-pressure area in Southern California.
It happens naturally from time to time, especially in the dry season when most winds are formed. The coastal area of California has stronger wind compared to other parts of California. It is a normal phenomenon unless there is another factor contributing to this.
2. Adiabatic heating
This is another reason why the LA winds so strong. Adiabatic heating is the process where the air becomes hotter and drier. There is a great elevation from the Great Basin to Southern California. When the movement is going lower, the speed is faster than it should be.
Since the movement is very fast, the wind loses its moisture. When it arrives in Southern California, the wind becomes dry and hot. Another characteristic of Santa Ana is strong winds that increase the risk of wildfire in the area because the wind can burn the dry vegetation.
3. Seasonal condition
Santa Ana wind becomes drier and more dangerous during the dry season. Even though it is seasonal, it can increase the risk of wildfire in LA. The most common period of Santa Ana blowing to Southern California is during fall and winter when the condition is drier and colder than other seasons.
The intensity of the wind is stronger at night and early in the morning. The factors such as cooling and gradient influence this wind to be stronger. Some events may affect the pressure in The Great Basin, so it may affect the intensity of Santa Ana.
4. Canyons and mountains
Canyons are also the reason why are the LA winds so strong. This is a natural effect that produces strong winds named Santa Ana. When the wind blows from The Great Basin to Southern California, it passes canyons and mountains. The wind is getting narrower because of the topography.
This effect is a funneling effect that produces significant speed. The winds become faster, especially when they pass the narrow pipes on the canyons. The factors such as gradients and gravity accelerate the speed of Santa Ana.
The Effects of Strong Winds in LA
1. Wildfires in LA
Wildfires in LA are something that local authorities are worried about. The wind brings heat which ignites the fire when it meets dry vegetation in the forest. Since the wind is very strong, the wildfire can spread rapidly. The fire can be uncontrollable and increase the risk of loss.
This is why the LA government should be ready for any possibility of wildfire. A reliable and accurate early warning system is the answer to protect many people and ecosystems in the forest. With accurate warning, people can stay to avoid great loss because of the fire.
2. Air quality
With a great speed, Santa Ana winds can bring advantage. Pollution can be controllable during a good season. The clear sky is seen all the time. The air quality may be bad during wildfires because it blows smoke to other regions.
3. Infrastructure damage
When the wind blows strongly, infrastructure damage is inevitable. Power lines, trees, and roofs can fly away. It can create costly damage. Residents had better have property insurance to protect themselves.
Closing
After finding out why are the LA winds so strong, the local authorities should prioritize maintaining an EWS. The wind speed recorded by the sensor can be the trigger for sending a warning through an SMS broadcaster. It is the device to transmit messages that pop up on the phone screen without delay.
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