The latest Santa Ana winds will return Monday, with the strongest gusts expected Monday night into Tuesday morning, as Los Angeles fires continue to burn.

As of Jan. 10, the official causes of the fires were unknown. However, one factor that is known to have quickly hastened the flames' spread is the powerful Santa Ana winds. These fierce winds — common from September through May — had maximum gust speeds of nearly 100 miles per hour, allowing embers and flames to quickly reach new fuel sources.

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.

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.

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.