Santa Ana winds occur when air flows west from a region of high pressure over the dry Great Basin to lower pressure off the California coast, According to Accuweather. As that cool interior air flows over and through mountain passes, it accelerates, sinks and compresses.

While winds were calm Saturday morning, they're expected to pick up once again in Southern California as the wildfire crisis continues. KTLA's Kacey Montoya reports on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.

The winds are common in California in the colder months, but they can sometimes help spread dangerous wildfires.