Los Angeles County saw multiple wildfires erupt as "extremely critical fire weather" from dry conditions and Santa Ana winds threatened Southern California into Wednesday, and the National Weather Service warned the worst was yet to come.

Santa Ana winds in Southern California are often-fierce winds that topple power lines and trees and can turn a spark into a raging wildfire.

Santa Ana winds are synonymous with southern California weather. They can happen any time of the year but are more common during the cold months. They happen when a ridge of high-pressure forms over the Great Basin and an upper-level low forms near the desert southwest.

What are Santa Ana winds? Santa Ana winds flow east to west through Southern California's mountains, according to the National Weather Service. They begin when winds from the dese

The Santa Ana winds occur when there is high pressure to the east, in the Great Basin, and a low-pressure system off the coast. Air masses move from high pressure to low pressure, and the more extreme the difference in the pressure, the faster the winds blow. Topography also plays a role.

The devastating fires across Southern California are being driven by the Santa Ana winds, as incredibly dry and windy conditions continue to heighten the fire danger

An ABC News graphic shows the fire risk forecast in Southern California on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Via ABC News. (LOS ANGELES) — A damaging Santa Ana wind event was peaking early Wednesday and winds

Cal Fire says it’s preparing for critical fire risk across San Diego County by shifting resources from northern areas and canceling days off as Southern California faces dangerous Santa Ana winds and a red flag warning.