Santa Ana winds occur when air flows west from a region of high pressure over the dry Great Basin to lower pressure off the California coast, According to Accuweather. As that cool interior air flows over and through mountain passes, it accelerates, sinks and compresses.

Between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, AccuWeather predicts wind gusts between 30 and 50mph through L.A.’s mountain ranges as well as the northern San Fernando Valley and coastal Ventura and Orange Counties. As a result, unhealthy air quality is expected to persist throughout the weekend.

With fire crews slowly making progress against a series of devastating Los Angeles wildfires that have claimed at least 10 lives, Santa Ana winds will buffet the region for one more day Friday.

Multiple wildfires are currently raging through Los Angeles County, forcing evacuations and destroying neighborhoods. A long dry summer created ample fuel that has combined with a lack of rainfall over the winter to extend fire season conditions.

Although the strongest wind gusts have passed through the Southern California region, another "traditional Santa Ana wind event" will move in Thursday night.

The Santa Ana winds become particularly dangerous when combined with other climate conditions such as drought, which increases the risk of wildfires like the ones currently raging in the Los Angeles area.