California Spring Fire: Unusually Strong Santa Anas, Dryness
May 02, 2013; 4:40 PM
A quickly spreading wildfire, called the Spring Fire, is burning in Ventura County, Calif. According to the Ventura County Fire Department, it has forced hundreds of evacuations on Thursday. As of 12:00 PDT Thursday, the fire was estimated at 2,000 acres, and it was still spreading. At least 600 firefighters are on the scene.
Along with heat, there are gusty winds and very dry conditions in place.
Winds of 30-40 mph are not helping matters. This magnitude of wind can quickly fan the flames of fires.
Relative humidity dropped as low as 2-3 percent on Thursday. Vegetation is so dry it is more like it would be in the middle of the summer...
The Los Angeles area is forecast to experience 90-degree temperatures for the first time this season before the week ends.
Temperatures are projected to reach record highs for the date Thursday in San Francisco and could challenge the record in San Diego Friday.
http://www.accuweather.com/en/features/trend/building_heat_fire_danger_for/11479198