Dry Santa Ana winds may be followed by rain

Forecasters predict more Santa Ana winds to ring in the New Year, bringing with them a slight risk of wildfires, officials said.

A fire weather watch remains in effect through Tuesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. A high pressure system making its way across Nevada into Southern California is expected to cause strong gusty winds for most of Orange County.

The dry north-easterly winds will also drop humidity levels, officials said.

Winds are predicted to hit between 10-to-20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph through today, National Weather Service forecasters said.

Fire authorities stress the use of caution during the holiday season because the amount of lighting arrangements and ovens in use preparing holiday meals can become fire concerns. Wildfires still pose a high risk in areas that have seen little rainfall, officials said.

The winds should subside by Tuesday, bringing a 20% chance of rain Wednesday, officials said. Rains are likely throughout the rest of this week, officials said. The possibility of mudslides become a concern in the areas of the county scorched in October’s fire.

— Kelly Strodl