30 mph Winds to Rip Through Santa Monica

Powerful wind gusts will tear through Los Angeles tonight.

A cold low pressure system moving down the California and Nevada state lines will align with a high pressure system, creating conditions "favorable for strong and damaging winds" as high as 60 mph in area mountains and valleys, according to the National Weather Service.

A high wind warning is in effect until Friday afternoon across most of the Southland. In Santa Monica, gusts will blow as fast as 30 mph, and daytime temperatures will dip to the mid 60s.

"Key weather factors are coming together that could make this the strongest offshore wind event we have seen in the past few years," said Weather Service meteorologists.

The winds will help drive low humidity, especially over the coast and valleys, bringing a high fire danger.

In a warning issued Wednesday morning, Weather Service advised residents to close windows and secure all outdoor objects such as lawn furniture.