Here we go again -- more hot and windy weather on the way. Guy McCarthy at Watershed News gathers the details:

Just a few days after a cold front contributed to at least eight deaths in San Bernardino County, the National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings in Southern California for increased fire danger due to near-record heat, low humidity, and a return of Santa Ana winds.

Fire crews are expected to be on heightened alert from tomorrow morning through at least Saturday afternoon. Officials in San Diego issued warnings for the Inland Empire and the Santa Ana Mountains and foothills at 12:55 p.m. today. Warnings for Los Angeles and Ventura counties were issued this morning.

From the San Gorgonio Pass to the San Fernando Valley, local, state and federal agencies are well aware of the potential for critical fire weather.

If you've read Dave Gardetta's terrific piece in November's LA Magazine about the Santa Ana winds, then you know why they're so difficult to define and almost impossible to predict.

--Veronique de Turenne

Photo: Flickr