California is set to get a “much-needed” break from dangerous fire conditions that have helped to fan the flames of multiple wildfires across the state.

The news comes as a red flag warning for Southern California is finally set to expire at 6 p.m. PST.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Los Angeles confirmed today that the powerful winds and extremely low humidity were expected to ease off by the weekend, although it warned residents to brace for the return of dangerous fire weather conditions next week.

Why It Matters

Since last week, wildfires across Southern California have killed at least 25 people and expanded to over 37,000 acres, fanned by Santa Ana winds.

An easing of the dangerous fire conditions may allow firefighters to finally contain the infernos, including the two largest fires; the Palisades fire, which is only 19 percent contained, and the Eaton fire, which is 45 percent contained at time of publication.

What To Know

The majority of red flag warnings for Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties are on track to expire at 6 p.m. this evening as Santa Ana winds diminished throughout the day.

Forecasters said that the powerful winds from the weekend and earlier this week have “peaked” and will continue to drop through this evening.

Only a few mountainous areas will retain the warning until Thursday morning, NWS said.

A red flag warning is issued when critical fire weather conditions; a mix of strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures, are occurring currently, or will soon.

The fires have displaced tens of thousands of residents and claimed at least 25 lives since they broke out last week.

The Palisades fire scorched over 23,000 acres, destroying or damaging more than and 10,000 homes and businesses, while the Eaton fire wiped out at least 7,000 structures as it engulfed more than 14,000 acres.

Fire crews have been desperately trying to contain the blazes, but even as they do so, multiple smaller fires have erupted across the region, which has been suffering a prolonged dry spell.

Los Angeles has received just 0.16 inches of rain since October 1, far below the typical 5.45 inches for this time of year. This severe dryness has left vegetation highly flammable, creating ideal conditions for wildfires when combined with the region’s notorious Santa Ana winds.

What People Are Saying

NWS San Diego meteorologist Alex Tardy told Newsweek: “We are seeing conditions rapidly weaken. We are still in Santa Ana conditions right now, so the wind is still blowing, and it’s very dry, but after 6 o’clock today, we will see much lighter winds.”

NWS Los Angeles said on X: “Good news: We are expecting a much-needed break from the fire weather concerns to close this week. Bad News: Next week is a concern. While confident that we will NOT see a repeat of last week, dangerous fire weather conditions are expected.”

What Happens Next

Firefighters are continuing to battle the wildfires in Southern California.

While the current red flag warnings are set to expire tonight, the NWS warns that the strong winds and dry conditions are set to return, potentially triggering a new red flag warning.