Meaning
Santa Ana winds are strong, dry downslope winds that move from inland high-pressure areas through Southern California mountain passes toward the coast, often producing very dry and potentially dangerous fire-weather conditions.
How it is used
The National Weather Service defines Santa Ana winds as dry east-to-west downslope winds through Southern California mountain passages, most common in the cooler part of the year. Their warmth, dryness, and speed can increase property damage and wildfire risk.
Examples
- “The Santa Ana winds are expected to strengthen overnight.”
- “Dry Santa Ana winds can increase wildfire danger across the region.”
Pronunciation
/ˌsæntə ˈænə wɪndz/ · SAN-tuh AN-uh winds
Tone and register
Neutral and descriptive, but often serious because strong events can create hazardous wind and fire conditions. The phrase should not be treated as merely colorful local folklore.
Visitor guidance
Use the term for the recognized Southern California wind pattern and rely on current National Weather Service warnings for safety decisions. Not every hot or dry breeze in Los Angeles is a Santa Ana wind event.
Cultural context
Santa Ana winds are deeply embedded in Southern California weather conversation because topography makes them consequential across the Los Angeles region. The name is local cultural vocabulary and a real meteorological pattern at the same time.
Places represented
Open the reviewed place guide for each regional sense carried by this canonical entry.