Potentially damaging winds capable of rapidly spreading wildfires are expected to blow through Southern California through Saturday, with the strongest gusts forecast for Tuesday night, Nov. 15, and Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service said.

The Santa Ana winds will diminish Wednesday night, with another round coming Friday and Saturday.

Santa Ana winds are dry. They bring clear skies but the low humidity, coupled with heat and high speeds, create severe fire-weather conditions.

Gusts of 40 mph or less are expected Tuesday, reaching 65 to 70 mph below the Cajon Pass, near the coastal foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains and portions of the San Diego County mountains.

In Los Angeles County, gusts of 40 to 60 mph are expected along the coasts and in the valleys, with peak gusts of 55 to 75 mph in the mountains and foothills.

Residents are cautioned to have an evacuation plan in case of wildfire and watch for downed trees and power lines.

Temperatures in the next few days are expected to remain fairly constant, with slight warming possible through the weekend. Highs in the Inland Empire are forecast for the high 60s. Orange County highs should be in the mid-70s and cooler along the coast. Highs in Los Angeles County are expected to be in the low 70s.

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