Santa Ana wind season is underway in Southern California, and the first event of the season is bringing a potent fire threat to the region.

The WindRadar is lighting up over Southern California as the first Santa Ana wind event of the season takes shape. Santa Ana winds typically start in September and October and peak in December and January.

Wind gusts up to 70 mph are possible in the San Gabriel Mountains and the western San Fernando Valley through Friday and will bring an elevated risk of fire.

Strong winds will also increase the fire risk across the Sierra Nevada range and its foothills through the end of the week.