Gusty Santa Ana winds will continue across Southern California Saturday, bringing warm temperatures and dry conditions ahead of a chance of light rain early next week.
Northeast winds strengthened Friday, with gusts of 35 to 45 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
The winds prompted advisories in inland areas and contributed to a warming trend expected to peak Saturday.
“Northeast winds will persist through Saturday but decrease in strength by about half,” the weather service said. “Despite the offshore flow, a significant onshore wind shift is likely each afternoon over the coast and some coastal valleys.”
Humidity levels were expected to drop below 25 percent Saturday, including readings as low as 5 to 15 percent across much of Los Angeles County, forecasters said.
While brief periods of elevated fire weather conditions were possible, forecasters said Red Flag warnings were not anticipated due to the short duration of the winds and relatively high fuel moisture levels.
Conditions are expected to begin improving Sunday and continue into next week.
Forecasters said temperatures will climb through Saturday before beginning a gradual cooling trend.
“Warming on Saturday will range from a degree or two near the coast to 5 to locally 10 degrees for the deserts,” according to the weather service.
Highs are expected to reach the 70s across much of Los Angeles and into the 80s in some valley areas Saturday.
Cooling will begin Sunday, with a deeper marine influence developing Monday that pushes cooler air farther inland and brings temperatures closer to seasonal levels, along with a return of low clouds and fog during the nights and mornings, forecasters said.
A low-pressure system moving in late Tuesday into Wednesday is expected to bring cooler, breezy conditions along with a slight chance of showers, according to the NWS.
Forecasters said any rainfall is expected to be light, with no significant impacts anticipated.