Santa Ana winds weaken, chance of rain returns to forecast

LOS ANGELES - While windy and dry conditions are expected to linger across Southern California Wednesday, there are signs of improvement as winds have weakened and will continue to ease, according to forecasters.

The relief comes a day after fierce Santa Ana winds battered much of the region, fueling the Franklin Fire in Malibu, which has scorched more than 3,900 acres and prompted evacuations for around 18,000 people.

According to the National Weather Service, wind gusts approached nearly 50 mph in parts of Malibu during the early morning hours Tuesday. To the north, a gust of 93 mph was reported near the Magic Mountain Truck Trail in the Santa Clarita area.

By Tuesday evening, however, conditions were showing signs of improvement, although the wildfire danger persisted.

"The strongest winds have passed, however gusty winds are still expected through Wednesday morning, especially in the mountains," according to the National Weather Service. "Critical fire weather conditions will continue through Wednesday."

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday for most parts of Southern California.

But a chance of rain does return to the forecast on Thursday as more clouds move into the region beginning Wednesday.

Another system was expected in the region by Saturday, again bringing only a slight chance of light rain to the area.