LOS ANGELES — The deadly wildfires in California are being fueled by fierce winds blowing from the interior parts of California towards the coast.
Known as Santa Ana winds, these dry, warm and gusty northeast winds flow opposite traditional onshore winds which carry moisture from the Pacific.
High pressure helps get the winds started and as the winds sink over the mountains they dry out and speed up, much like a slow-moving river being squeezed through the mountains.
Reaching hurricane force speeds at times, these winds can fuel small fires into raging infernos.
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