As firefighters continue battling blazes in California that have claimed at least 44 lives, conditions in Southern California have worsened.
In San Diego County, the fire risk today is extremely critical, the highest level issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
"Vary rapid fire growth, extreme fire behavior is expected," according to a report by the National Weather Service. "Explosive fire growth is possible with any fire starts."
Wind gusts in and around San Diego topped 80 mph last night, as a strong Santa Ana Wind event is underway in Southern California that will continue into tomorrow. A high-wind warning continues today in Los Angeles and San Diego counties, with gusts from 40 to 60 mph -- in some places as high as 70 mph.
Relative humidity will remain dangerously low -- 3 percent to 8 percent -- meaning the red flag warning remains in effect.