Santa Ana winds ahead: Southern Calif. fire danger grows

Gusty Santa Ana winds and low humidity returns to southern California later Tuesday and early Wednesday, increasing the risk of wildfires.

High pressure is building across the Great Basin, producing a northerly to northeasterly flow across southern California. Funneling through the mountains, gusty northeasterly winds will develop, with speeds of 60-plus mph possible. These dry winds will drop humidity and increase the risk of wildfires.

Less than a week ago, the Franklin fire near Malibu spread during last week's Santa Ana event, burning several structures. It produced a fiery sunrise at Pepperdine University.

This fire is still occurring and has burned more than 4,000 acres and is 63 percent contained. Tonight's Santa Ana winds could fan these flames and make them spread to more acres. Additional fires could also develop in the mountains surrounding Los Angeles.

The WindRadar is a great tool to track the winds as they develop.