Los Angeles, California – Southern California is bracing for another round of extreme fire weather next week, with gusts of up to 80 mph expected in the region. This comes as communities like Pacific Palisades and Altadena are still reeling from the devastating wildfires that occurred earlier this month.

According to National Weather Service meteorologist Alex Tardy, the lack of rain during what should be the winter season has left the area in uncharted territory. Fire weather is expected to return on Monday, with the peak threat arriving Monday night through Tuesday morning, but could persist through Thursday.

The ongoing dry spell in Southern California has been record-setting, with no significant rainfall in sight until late January or early February. Despite the potential for some rain, forecasters warn that it may not be enough to completely end the fire weather season. Downtown Los Angeles has not seen significant rainfall in over 250 days, setting a new record for the area.

The combination of severe dryness and persistent Santa Ana winds has created dangerous conditions in the region. Strong winds are forecasted for Monday and Tuesday, with gusts up to 80 mph in the mountains and foothills. Residents are advised to prepare for potential evacuation and to exercise caution during these extreme weather conditions.

The fires in Pacific Palisades and Eaton have already caused significant damage, burning over 11,000 structures and claiming the lives of at least 27 people. As of Sunday morning, the Palisades fire had burned over 23,000 acres and was 52% contained, while the Eaton fire had charred over 14,000 acres and was 81% contained.

Efforts to locate missing fire victims are ongoing, underscoring the devastating impact of the wildfires in the region. With the threat of more extreme fire weather on the horizon, residents are urged to stay vigilant and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.