An unusual warm weekend followed by dry conditions and gusty Santa Ana winds is expected to bring elevated fire danger to Los Angeles and Ventura counties next week.

The heat is already here. Now get ready for the wind — and possible Red Flag conditions. A wood-burning ban extends at least through the end of Friday.

As warmer weather and a bout of Santa Ana winds come to Southern California, the National Weather Service is warning of an elevated risk of fire weather conditions until Wednesday.

Residents across the Inland Empire are advised to secure patio furniture, avoid outdoor burning and take caution while driving next week.

Beginning Thursday, northeast winds, better known as Santa Ana winds, are expected to start blowing through the Santa Clarita Valley, said Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS).

Looks like winter is being put on hold in Southern California as above normal temperatures are forecast for the region in the coming days.

Forecasters are warning of a fire weather watch in parts of San Diego County beginning Monday morning. The National Weather Service alert, through Tuesday night, affects county inland valleys and mountains,