LA Weather timeline: Santa Ana winds to return next week

Calmer winds over the last few days have allowed firefighters to drastically increase the containment of two major wildfires burning in Los Angeles County. The Palisades and Eaton fires quickly spread after they broke out on Jan. 7, in part because of severe winds and dry conditions. 

Now, Santa Ana winds are expected to sweep through the area early next week, accompanied by low humidity, meaning more potentially dangerous fire conditions.

Here's what to expect over the weekend and into next week.

THE LATEST ON THE PALISADES AND EATON FIRES

Weekend outlook

The weather is expected to be pretty good across Southern California over the weekend, with forecast calling for relatively clear skies and highs in the low-to-mid  60s in the LA area and the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys.

Fire weather watch

A Fire Weather Watch will be in effect for most of Los Angeles and Ventura counties on Monday and Tuesday, as northeast Santa Ana winds will likely bring critical fire weather. The watch could become a Red Flag Warning as we get closer to next week.

Wind gusts will be between 30 and 50 mph, according to FOX 11 Chief Meteorologist Adam Krueger, but some areas in the mountains could see winds as high as 60 mph.

The relative humidity will be very low — 10% or less.

Expected wind gusts for Monday, Jan. 20.

Air quality

The destruction of the Palisades and Eaton fires has raised concerns over air quality across Southern California. While the Air Quality Index for much of Southern California has shown moderate to good air quality in recent days, experts say those numbers can be deceiving.

SUGGESTED: Air quality Los Angeles: Harmful particle pollution from windblown fire ash

General air quality monitors are meant to pick up things like ozone and particulate matter, like in smoke. But those same sensors don't pick up things like asbestos, which can enter the air in instances when fires destroy homes.

"Air quality monitors are focused on specific types of pollutants," said Chris Chavez, the Deputy Policy Director for the Coalition for Clean Air. "And when you're talking about things like asbestos or different toxins, those require specific type of sensors. So the general ones that are used don't pick those up."

Should I wear a mask outside?

The South Coast AQMD warns that the Air Quality Index may not reflect the full story. saying that the maps, "do not account for wildfire ash. If AQI levels are high, you smell smoke, or if you see ash in the air, take precautions to protect your health."

According to Chavez, while the air has certainly improved over the last several days, the biggest concerns remain the closer you get to the fire areas, particularly because of the ash. But he says if you're wondering whether you should be wearing a mask, just use your head.

"It really comes down to common sense," Chaves said. "If you're going into these areas and you're expected to come across a lot of ash, a lot of dust. Protect yourself. Use PPE and make sure that you're not exposing yourself to these dangerous chemicals."

WeatherLos Angeles CountyOrange CountyVentura CountyRiverside CountySan Bernardino County