A Red Flag warning is in effect through late Friday afternoon over Los Angeles and Ventura Counties for strong offshore winds and moderately low relative humidity.

A cold low pressure system over Arizona will continue to generate strong north to northeast offshire winds over most of the area through Friday.

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Peak sustained winds are expected to exceed 40 MPH, especially across portions of the valley and mountains with peak wind gusts likely exceeding 60 MPH with isolated gusts up to 70 MPH possible.

Although winds are expected to weaken by Friday evening, the potential exists for another round of gusty northeast winds late Saturday into Sunday.

A Red Flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are expected; the combination of very strong winds and low relative humidity, as well as sufficiently dry fuels could result in favorable conditions for rapid fire growth if fire ignition occurs.