Firefighters have slowed the spread of a huge wildfire churning through rugged mountains north of Los Angeles where dangerous winds gained strength again.

Cooler, wet weather is forecast to bring moisture to the parched landscape and reduce the fire threat. But heavy rainfall could also trigger flash floods in burn scars.

A wet pattern will bring periods of rain and showers to Southern California, dropping an inch or two in the Los Angeles region — the most to fall since mid-April. It will be key for firefighters continuing to battle flames.