A rare Particularly Dangerous Situation warning has been issued for Southern California as a powerful and potentially damaging Santa Ana wind event​ is expected.

As critical fire weather continues to strike in Southern California, crews are also tasked with preparing for a storm expected this weekend that could trigger mudslides in burn scar areas.

Several counties in Southern California faced "critical" fire risks this week, according to an AccuWeather forecast.

Temperatures rise across the region Wednesday as we head toward a toasty Thursday. Santa Ana winds increase Wednesday night into Thursday morning. High

"A strong Santa Ana Wind event is expected to develop Monday and last through at least Tuesday," the National Weather Service said.

The Auto Fire has burned nearly 61 acres in Ventura, California Monday night and was at 47% containment Tuesday afternoon.

Santa Ana winds return to Southern California from Monday to Tuesday, once again raising fire danger concerns.

The fire, which erupted near Castaic Lake in Los Angeles County, north of Santa Clarita, late Wednesday morning, has grown to over 10,000 acres.

Extreme fire weather returns to Southern California - particularly Los Angeles and Ventura counties - as winds of up to 100 mph have prompted the most urgent warning from the National Weather Service.

The winds fueling Southern California wildfires form when a high-pressure system develops over the Great Basin in Utah and Nevada

Strong, damaging Santa Ana winds are expected to bring extreme wildfire danger to Southern California. Read more at straitstimes.com.