A Combustible Mix of Heat and Storms Is Expected Across Southern California
'This is the first major heat wave of the season, and it's the biggest fire risk we've had,' said Kristen Stewart, a fire weather meteorologist at the U.S. Forest Service.
A flurry of red flag warnings were already in place, and state officials have sent a surge of firefighting crews and equipment into Southern California, where the memory of deadly fires that erupted in January still hovers in the background of everyday life. State and local officials there attempted a delicate balance of reassuring skittish residents without raising questions about the level of preparation for ferocious blazes in the past.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Tuesday that he had directed Cal Fire, the state's firefighting agency, to 'pre-position' 10 fire engines, two hand crews, three dispatchers and a helicopter, among more people and equipment, in Los Angeles County.
By the end of the day, he said he was sending even more resources to five counties in Southern California — Los Angeles, Kern, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Bernardino — in response to the fire risk, bringing the total to 32 fire engines, nine hand crews, 13 dispatchers and five helicopters, as well as other personnel and equipment.
'Now is the time to prepare, California,' he said in a statement.
California has experienced an average summer fire season, with only one blaze, the Gifford fire, surpassing 100,000 acres. But the hot weather combined with dry vegetation will heighten the risk of wildfires this week. And a chance for scattered thunderstorms across desert areas and the mountains could bring a mixed bag: Lightning could spark fires, but rainfall could lessen the danger overall.
See detailed maps about the latest heat index forecasts.
Note: Forecast data is as of 10:29 a.m. Eastern on August 20, 2025.
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