Santa Ana winds weaken, chance of rain returns to forecast

LOS ANGELES - After a windy and dry start to the week, forecasters said conditions will begin to shift in Southern California beginning Thursday. 

The relief arrived a day after fierce Santa Ana winds battered much of the region, fueling the Franklin Fire in Malibu, which has scorched more than 4,000 acres and prompted evacuations for around 20,000 people.

RELATED: Malibu Franklin Fire: Crews gaining control as winds weaken, favorable weather moves in 

Forecasters with the National Weather Service said wind gusts approached nearly 50 mph in parts of Malibu during the early morning hours Tuesday. To the north, a gust of 93 mph was reported near the Magic Mountain Truck Trail in the Santa Clarita area.

By Tuesday evening, however, conditions were showing signs of improvement, although the wildfire danger persisted.

"The strongest winds have passed, however gusty winds are still expected through Wednesday morning, especially in the mountains," according to the National Weather Service. "Critical fire weather conditions will continue through Wednesday."

A Red Flag Warning, that was in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday for most parts of Southern California, was canceled around 1:30 p.m. due to decreasing winds.

NWS forecasters say while very dry air and elevated fire weather conditions will persist into Wednesday night, the threat of critical fire weather conditions has ended.

But a chance of rain does return to the forecast on Thursday as more clouds move into the region.

Another system was expected in the region by Saturday, again bringing only a slight chance of light rain to the area.