An unusual atmospheric setup will bring strong, multiday Santa Ana winds to Southern California this week, elevating wildfire weather danger to near-critical levels in what are likely to be the strongest offshore winds in years for the region.

The strongest Santa Ana winds of the season could bring a fire threat this week to Southern California, which hasn’t seen significant rain for nearly nine months.

Potentially powerful Santa Ana winds forecast in Ventura County and LA County have triggered a fire weather watch starting Tuesday.

Red Flag Warnings were in place for the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, the western San Gabriel Mountains and the 14 Freeway corridor.

Santa Ana winds are expected to usher in dry wildfire conditions for Southern California on New Year's Eve, according to the National Weather Service.

Gusty winds and low humidities are expected to return to Southern California this week, prompting officials to raise fire warning levels. “The Santa Ana conditions will start setting up tomorrow,” KTLA meteorologist Henry DiCarlo said Tuesday.

Santa Ana winds are anticipated to bring gusts of 80-100mph to Southern California this week, downing trees, power lines, and potential for wildfires.