The dry Santa Ana winds return Monday and Tuesday, triggering a red-flag warning for Southern California on Monday. The warning about increased fire danger starts Monday around 10 a.m. and lasts until Wednesday at 6 p.

Southern California is bracing for another round of strong, potentially dangerous Santa Ana winds just over a month after a similar wind event helped fuel the Mountain Fire, which scorched nearly 20,000 acres in Ventura County and sent residents scrambling for safety as flames closed in.

Santa Ana winds intensify in Southern California, increasing the risk of catastrophic wildfires. Learn about safety measures and weather updates.

Southern California is forecast to experience potentially damaging Santa Ana winds through midweek, fueling a critical fire threat for the mountains and valleys of Los Angeles and San Diego counties.

The National Weather Service issued warnings of critical wildfire weather in portions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties as well as the Inland Empire and San Bernardino Mountains.

Red flag warnings will go into effect early Monday for large swaths of Southern California, from Los Angeles to San Diego, due to strong Santa Ana winds, according to the National Weather Service.

Potentially dangerous winds and low humidity will increase the chances for fire to quickly spread across Southern California this week. Fire weather advisories are in place through Wednesday.

An unusual warm weekend followed by dry conditions and gusty Santa Ana winds is expected to bring elevated fire danger to Los Angeles and Ventura counties next week.

The heat is already here. Now get ready for the wind — and possible Red Flag conditions. A wood-burning ban extends at least through the end of Friday.