Santa Ana winds return to SoCal, bringing a 'particularly dangerous situation' with fire danger

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Windy and dry conditions returned to Southern California on Monday, raising the risk of new wildfires sparking as firefighters continue to battle two major blazes in the Los Angeles area that started in similar weather nearly two weeks ago.

Gusts could peak at 70 mph along the coast and 100 mph in the mountains and foothills during extreme fire weather that is expected to last through Tuesday.

The National Weather Service has issued a warning of a "particularly dangerous situation" for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning due to low humidity and damaging Santa Ana winds. Gusts could peak at 70 mph along the coast and 100 mph in the mountains and foothills.

A red flag warning is also in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday night.

A small amount of rain is expected by the end of the week, but gusty conditions will remain in the area. The Inland Empire can also expect wind gusts of up to 36mph, with the risk of power outages increasing.

A high pressure moving in will bring higher temperatures by Wednesday, making the winds back off.

Santa Ana winds are expected to stay through Tuesday afternoon. Here's a possible timeline:

The "particularly dangerous situation" warning went into effect at noon Monday and will expire Tuesday at 10 a.m. The strongest wind gusts are expected to come overnight Monday into early Tuesday with gusts anywhere between 40 to 50 mph - creating dangerous fire conditions.

Tuesday weather

Los Angeles and Orange counties Tuesday will see strong winds through the morning with a high of 70 degrees in the afternoon. A red flag warning will remain in effect through 10 p.m. Tuesday. Rain

The valleys and Inland Empire Tuesday can expect a high of 68, with strong winds blowing through the canyons in the morning. Temperatures will drop to 37 at night.

Beaches will see a morning cloud cover with a high of 66 degrees. Overnight lows will be in the 40s.

Mountains can expect a high of 48 and a chilly 14 overnight. Snow is in the forecast for the weekend.

Deserts Tuesday will be sunny, with an afternoon high of 57 and overnight low of 18.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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