Powerful Santa Ana winds return to Southern California

LOS ANGELES - A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Tuesday night into Thursday as Santa Ana winds sweep back into the Southern California forecast, according to the National Weather Service.

Firefighters braced in Malibu as the winds could threaten the progress they've made with the Franklin Fire that erupted on Monday, Dec. 9. 

RELATED COVERAGE: Franklin Fire: Malibu schools reopen as crews make progress in firefight

"Most coasts and valley max temps will range from the upper 60s to the mid 70s," the NWS said in its latest forecast. 

Due to the dry conditions and winds, the NWS issued a red flag warning that will be in place from 3 p.m. Tuesday through 6 p.m. Wednesday for the Santa Clarita Valley, Malibu Coast, Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Calabasas, the western San Fernando Valley, the western San Gabriel Mountains and the 5 and 14 freeway corridors.

"Wednesday will bring the peak of the wind with a moderate Santa Ana developing," the NWS added. "Wind advisories look likely in the typical Santa Ana wind corridor." 

According to the latest forecast, this will not be a "strong" Santa Ana wind event like the one we experienced last week, which resulted in the Franklin Fire in Malibu. 

Warming of about four to eight degrees for much of the region is expected, with most highs in the 70s and lower 80s for some in the region.

Weather Alerts

A Red Flag Warning was in effect for most of Ventura County and the western part of LA County from 3 p.m. Tuesday through 6 p.m. Wednesday.  Forecasters with the National Weather Service said wind gusts could reach up to 40 to 60 mph, with the strongest winds expected in the mountains. 

Along with high winds, the area can expect low humidity.