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.

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.

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.

A rare Particularly Dangerous Situation warning has been issued for Southern California as a powerful and potentially damaging Santa Ana wind event​ is expected.

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 ...

Authorities warned this week of a possibly "life-threatening, destructive" Santa Ana windstorm ... according to Thompson. Southern California Edison was monitoring nearly 70 local circuits.

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

A fire north of a jail complex in Castaic has triggered evacuations in L.A. County, even as Southern California hopes for some rain to help with firefighting efforts.

The latest in a long stretch of apparently unending Santa Ana wind events will bring another round of potentially damaging offshore winds and dangerous fire weather conditions to Southern California.

A small amount of rain is in the forecast for the region beginning late Friday through early Saturday, a much anticipated change of weather.