Forecasters in Southern California expect to issue a 'particularly dangerous situation' red flag warning for the coming week as the Santa Ana wind forecast worsens.

Southern California is facing fierce fires fueled by the Santa Ana winds, which threaten homes and put firefighters to the test.

Critical fire conditions are expected to continue through Friday. But rain could be on the way this weekend. Here's what to know.

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.

The National Weather Service issued its highest fire weather alert level for portions of the Los Angeles area for Monday into Tuesday morning, as powerful Santa Ana winds return. Threat level: The "Particularly Dangerous Situation" Red Flag Warning indicates any fires that ignite could quickly grow out of control.

Another moderate to strong Santa Ana wind event is expected to develop across Southern California during the first half of the workweek.

Winds have picked up and are expected to continue through Tuesday morning, raising the risk of new wildfires sparking.

Strong, damaging Santa Ana winds are expected to bring extreme ... a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Oxnard, California. The areas likely to see the strongest gusts ...

But the forecast doesn't show a strong Santa Ana at least through next week, according to Kittell. “Let's hope we get as gentle, but soaking a rain as possible in Southern California this ...

Another moderate to strong Santa Ana wind event is expected to develop across Southern California during the first half of the workweek, heightening wildfire dangers in a region still coping with the last significant firestorm from nearly two weeks ago.

The Palisades and Eaton wildfires also continue burning in the Los Angeles area, leaving parts of Southern California with devastating fire damage.

The Santa Ana winds are dry, powerful winds that blow down the mountains toward the Southern California coast. The region sees about 10 Santa Ana wind events a year on average, typically occurring from fall into January. When conditions are dry, as they are right now, these winds can become a severe fire hazard.