Firefighters are getting a much needed break today as Santa Ana winds developed later and weaker than originally expected, but forecasters warn strong gusts are still possible into Wednesday. The National Weather Service had originally issued a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” red flag warning that was expected to take effect at 4 a.

With the strongest gusts expected on Tuesday, extreme fire condition threats will prevail until midweek, L.A.-area fire chiefs say.

Powerful Santa Ana winds are returning to the Los Angeles area this week, worrying officials as they work to contain multiple large wildfires.

At least five wildfires are ravaging Southern California, and the three largest have already killed at least five people, burned tens of thousands of acres and prompted the evacuation of an estimated 179,

People in Southern California are on high alert for dangerous Santa Ana winds for a few more hours after calmer conditions prevailed Wednesday morning. At least 25 people have died in the fires and dozens are still missing.

The winds fueling wildfires in Southern California are beginning to ease, but the forecast calls for their return next week. Offshore Santa Ana winds will diminish Thursday, though a red flag warning remains in effect for the San Gabriel and Santa Susana Mountains.