Strong Santa Ana winds again will buffet the Southland Thursday and temperatures will spike, prompting the National Weather Service to warn of an "extreme fire danger" in the region and the possibility of heat-related illnesses.
A red flag warning denoting a high risk of wildfire is in its third and final day because of the wind, very low humidity, dry vegetation and high temperatures.
The warning will be in effect until 8 p.m. in the San Gabriel Mountains in L.A. and Ventura counties, the Angeles and Los Padres national forests, the Santa Monica Mountains, the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys, interior Orange County, and the L.A. County coastal zone, which includes beach cities, metropolitan L.A. and the Hollywood Hills.
Relative humidity is down three to 15 percent during the daytime, with little chance of recovery at night.
The wind is expected to blow at between 15 and 30 miles per hour in the areas under warning, gusting to around 45 mph, and possibly 50 mph on some western Santa Monica Mountain peaks, according to the NWS.
Thursday will also be the hottest day of the week, with record-breaking, unseasonable heat. Temperatures could reach up to 100 degrees in in downtown L.A., Long Beach, Woodland Hills and Yorba Linda.
Fire crews launched aggressive air attacks on two brush fires this week: around 62 acres burned near Lakeview Terrace on Wednesday, and a wind-driven blaze scorched 28 acres Tuesday in Porter Ranch.
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The hot conditions will likely bring an increased risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for the homeless, elderly, infants and anyone participating in outdoor activities. The National Weather Service said people along the coast without air conditioning will be greatly impacted by the heat.
If heading outdoors, remember to drink a lot of water, wear light-colored and lightweight clothing and try to stay out of direct sun. Never leave a person or a pet in a parked vehicle, even if it's just for a short time.
