Santa Ana wind event returns to Southern California: What you need to know
LOS ANGELES - As crews continue to make progress Sunday on the deadly Eaton and Palisades fires, Southern California is bracing for another dangerous wind event early this week as Santa Ana winds return.
According to the National Weather Service, Los Angeles County will be under a red flag warning for extreme fire danger from Monday morning through Tuesday night.
Dangerous wind event
Forecasters say a "moderate to strong" Santa Ana wind event is expected, with gusts possibly reaching 60 to 80 mph in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
"Damaging #SantaAnaWinds and extreme fire weather is expected Mon through Tue, with winds peaking Mon evening through Tue morning. Wind will be strongest along the traditional wind prone corridor of #LosAngeles and #Ventura counties," the NWS said.
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High Wind Watches will be in effect late Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning for most of Ventura County and parts of LA County due to the widespread damaging winds, forecasters said.
Combined with very low humidity values, officials said new or existing fire ignitions will have a higher risk for rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior.
This comes as firefighters continue to battle the deadly Eaton and Palisades fires in LA County. As of Sunday morning, the containment of the Palisades Fire has risen to 52% with 23,713 acres impacted. The Eaton Fire is currently 81% contained with 14,021 acres impacted, according to Cal Fire.
Dry pattern continues
Through the remainder of the month, forecasters warn that there is minimal rain chances in the Los Angeles area as dry air continues to filter along the West Coast.
Since the start of the year, Los Angeles has seen a rainfall deficit of nearly 2 inches of precipitation, with San Diego closer to a 1-inch deficit.
RELATED: California drought: These parts of state still 'abnormally dry' despite rains
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, only 36% of the Golden State is officially in a drought, but the dry conditions are affecting all of Southern California.
Be prepared
The NWS warns residents in LA and Ventura counties as well as those along the Santa Ana wind corridor to stay alert, monitor the forecast and listen to orders from emergency officials in the coming days.
Residents living near wildland areas are urged to take precautions, such as forming a defensible space around their homes and preparing an evacuation plan.
Pre-evacuation steps include protecting your home, documenting belongings for insurance, and preparing emergency kits.
RELATED: What to do before you evacuate during California wildfires
For more information on how to stay safe, visit CAL FIRE's Go Evacuation Guide.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by the National Weather Service. FOX Weather contributed.