The National Weather service is warning that low humidity, warm weather, and Santa Ana winds predicted for this week could increase the danger of fire:

Very warm and dry conditions will bring elevated fire danger to So Cal. Single digit humidity readings observed. #LAWeather

On Thursday (10/03/13), a strong upper level trough of low pressure will move southward into the Great Basin as an upper ridge builds off the West Coast. Dry northerly winds will begin to impact San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties Thursday afternoon and evening.

 As the surface high builds into Nevada, the flow will shift to northeast and begin to affect Ventura and Los Angeles Counties late Thursday night (10/03/13) into early Friday (10/04/13).

These gusty Santa Ana winds are expected to persist through Saturday (10/05/13), bringing an extended period of warm, very dry and windy conditions to much of Southwest California.

Critical fire weather conditions will be possible during this time period as the hot, dry and windy conditions interact with very dry fuels in place across the area.

The greatest fire weather threat will likely be across Ventura and Los Angeles Counties.

Residents of Southwest California are urged to stay tuned to the latest National Weather Service statements and warnings on this developing weather situation.