A rare Particularly Dangerous Situation warning has been issued for Southern California as a powerful and potentially damaging Santa Ana wind event​ is expected.

Santa Anas are the desiccating winds that are common in winter, blowing out of Nevada and Utah and into southwestern California. Carrying dry desert air, they push over the mountains in the Transverse Ranges and accelerate as they move downslope, howling into the canyons and valleys.

Watch KTLA team coverage of the latest wind event to create a wildfire risk in metro Los Angeles. Jan. 20, 2025.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — 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.

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.

Tree limbs that break off in high winds were often incorrectly pruned, plus how much defensible space is enough for fire safety?

As recovery efforts continue in Southern California, Santa Ana winds are expected to return, increasing the fire risk and prolonging containment efforts in the region this week as of Jan. 20.

Another round of fire-fueling Santa Ana winds is lashing Southern California after a brief weekend reprieve helped crews make more progress battling the deadly infernos in Los Angeles County.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a Windblown Dust and Ash Advisory until 10 p.m. Tuesday due to the strong Santa Ana winds that may affect air quality throughout the area.  “Windblown dust and ash contain small particles that may cause irritation or exacerbate pre-existing health conditions,