Southern California is facing fierce fires fueled by the Santa Ana winds, which threaten homes and put firefighters to the test.

Meteorologists said there was a chance the winds would be as severe as those that fueled the Palisades and Eaton fires, but that different locations would likely be affected.

The Santa Ana winds are dry, powerful winds that blow down the mountains toward the Southern California coast. The region sees about 10 Santa Ana wind events a year on average, typically occurring from fall into January. When conditions are dry, as they are right now, these winds can become a severe fire hazard.

The National Weather Service issued its highest fire weather alert level for portions of the Los Angeles area for Monday into Tuesday morning, as powerful Santa Ana winds return. Threat level: The "Particularly Dangerous Situation" Red Flag Warning indicates any fires that ignite could quickly grow out of control.

Critical fire conditions are expected to continue through Friday. But rain could be on the way this weekend. Here's what to know.

A rare Particularly Dangerous Situation warning has been issued for Southern California as a powerful and potentially damaging Santa Ana wind event​ is expected.

Forecasters in Southern California expect to issue a 'particularly dangerous situation' red flag warning for the coming week as the Santa Ana wind forecast worsens.

The strongest of the winds are ... very strong" Santa Ana event, possibly the strongest of the season, said Rich Thompson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.

The Palisades and Eaton wildfires also continue burning in the Los Angeles area, leaving parts of Southern California with devastating fire damage.

The Sepulveda fire was the latest blaze in a nerve-racking week as Southern California headed into a fourth consecutive day of red flag fire weather warnings.

The latest in a long stretch of apparently unending Santa Ana wind events will bring another round of potentially damaging offshore winds and dangerous fire weather conditions to Southern California.

A small amount of rain is in the forecast for the region beginning late Friday through early Saturday, a much anticipated change of weather.