Southern California is facing critical fire danger through at least Saturday night as hot temperatures, strong winds and dry conditions increase the threat of wildfires. A heat advisory will be in effect from ten a.m. Thursday through eight p.m. Saturday, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 95 degrees. A wind advisory is also scheduled from six a.m. Thursday until eight p.m. Friday. Forecasters say valleys, foothills and mountain areas could see sustained winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour, with gusts reaching 35 to 55 miles per hour. A Red Flag warning will remain in effect from six a.m. Thursday through ten p.m. Friday. Relative humidity could drop to between five and 15 percent, creating especially dangerous fire conditions. Isolated wind gusts of 50 to 60 miles per hour are also possible in the hills. The strongest winds are expected Friday, when the combination of heat, wind and dry air could make fires spread rapidly.
