Red Flag Warning Issued for Malibu

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Santa Monica Mountains, including Malibu, as well as other mountain areas in Los Angeles and Ventura counties and the Santa Clarita Valley. The warning went into effect Wednesday at 9 p.m., and will continue until 3 p.m. today.

"Surface high pressure is expected to build over the Great Basin overnight into Thursday morning, resulting in offshore winds increasing in strength and areal coverage" the NWS' website states. 

Wind gusts in the range of 40 mph to 50 mph and low humidity are expected in the mountain areas, according to the NWS. This makes the area vulnerable to potential fires.

"While the offshore winds are expected to diminish somewhat by Thursday afternoon, warm and very dry conditions are expected to continue through the weekend," the NWS' website states.

An extension of the Red Flag warning is possible.