Southern California will continue to face "dangerous fire weather conditions" including strong Santa Ana winds and extremely low humidity through later this week, forecasters said Tuesday.
Southern California is facing fierce fires fueled by the Santa Ana winds, which threaten homes and put firefighters to the test.
The Santa Ana winds are dry, powerful winds that blow down the mountains toward the Southern California coast. The region sees about 10 Santa Ana wind events a year on average, typically occurring from fall into January. When conditions are dry, as they are right now, these winds can become a severe fire hazard.
As winds across the Southern California area are calmer than their peak and firefighters are making progress, the threat to the fire-weary region remains with Santa Ana winds expected to continue in the coming days.
Forecasters in Southern California expect to issue a 'particularly dangerous situation' red flag warning for the coming week as the Santa Ana wind forecast worsens.
Meteorologists said there was a chance the winds would be as severe as those that fueled the Palisades and Eaton fires, but that different locations would likely be affected.
With the Palisades and Eaton Fires still not fully contained, another dangerous Santa Ana wind event is forecast in Los Angeles for Monday-Thursday.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed fire engines, water-dropping aircraft and hand crews across the region—to enable a rapid response if a new fire does break out, according to The Associated Press.
As Santa Ana winds returned to Southern California, residents and first responders braced for another day of critical fire weather.
Dozens of people are believed to have died in the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have burned down whole swaths of communities
A mudslide blocked part of Topanga Canyon Boulevard and other roads Monday morning after a day of rainfall in the Palisades Fire burn area.
Rain returned to California over the weekend, aiding with the ongoing wildfire fight across the LA area. But the arrival of rain also brought the risk of flash flooding and mudslides in recent burn scar areas.