In recent days, however, the region’s powerful Santa Ana winds—which have been fanning the flames—have begun to slow down. This lull has offered firefighters a reprieve and a key opportunity to make progress against the blazes, but forecasts suggest the Santa Ana will return next week. What are these gusts, and how have they become so strong?

The Santa Ana winds fanning wildfires that have killed at least 25 people in Southern California and destroyed more than 10,000 houses, businesses and other structures in Greater Los Angeles are flaring up again.

Dangerous Santa Ana winds are expected to return to the Los Angeles area this week, potentially fueling the growth of new and existing wildfires, according to FOX Weather.

With gusts reaching over 93 miles per hour, these winds are the main culprits behind the fierce spread of fires in Los Angeles.

Red Flag Warnings remain in effect through Friday evening for much of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, the National Weather Service said.

While winds were calm Saturday morning, they're expected to pick up once again in Southern California as the wildfire crisis continues. KTLA's Kacey Montoya reports on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.

Two wildfires still burning in Los Angeles have torched more urban area than any other fire in the state since at least the mid-1980s