Devastating fires in the Los Angeles region are driven by Santa Ana winds blowing from California and Nevada’s interior deserts to the Pacific Ocean.

The intense and fast-moving fires that have cut a path of destruction through the suburbs of Los Angeles, killing at least two people, are being driven by the region's powerful Santa Ana winds, with gusts that in some cases surpass hurricane-strength.

Firefighters held the line against two massive wildfires that have ravaged parts of Los Angeles for the past week, even as desert winds and a parched landscape presented extremely hazardous conditions.

The National Weather Service offices across Southern California are warning residents of an increase in weather conditions that are conducive to rapid fire growth. Meteorologists are most concerned about conditions from Monday afternoon through Wednesday morning when winds will be at their peak and relative humidity will be low.

Wildfires fueled by strong Santa Ana winds have devastated Southern California, destroying thousands of homes and causing 27 deaths. The fires, affecting urban areas and the Olympic preparation, are worsened by climate change and urban expansion.

Another Santa Ana wind event is expected to bring back fire danger to Southern California. Cooler temperatures are expected through the weekend as an onshore flow returns, according to the National Weather Service.