Santa Ana Winds Bringing Wildfire Threat to Region

Strong Santa Ana winds and low humidity levels will create the threat of wildfires in the Southland from late Thursday through Saturday, according to National Weather Service forecasters.

As the winds pick up and humidity levels tumble, temperatures will climb into the 90s.

"The combination of gusty Santa Ana winds with very low humidities and warm temperatures may bring a significant threat of critical fire weather conditions to Southern California Thursday night through Saturday," according to an NWS advisory.

"Extremely dry fuel conditions in place would allow for large and rapid fire growth potential if winds and dry air develop as projected late in the week."

The greatest threat in Southern California will be in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, forecasters said.

Temperatures will climb precipitously Friday and Saturday in some areas before beginning a retreat on Sunday, according to an NWS forecast. Downtown Los Angeles, for example will go from a high of 77 Thursday to highs of 90 on Friday and Saturday, then down to 84 on Sunday.

-- City News Service