Southern California under fire warnings as Santa Ana winds arrive for Thanksgiving

Santa Ana winds will bring dry air and high gusts to Southern California, significantly increasing the threat of fires over the Thanksgiving holiday, the National Weather Service said. More than 3 million residents from the Los Angeles to San Diego area are under fire warnings.

"Those living near fire prone undeveloped areas, like the national forests, should make or review the family plan including what to take and evacuation routes in the event of an evacuation order is issued or a nearby wildfire threatens," National Weather Service Los Angeles said in a forecast. "This is especially important with unaware visitors during the holiday week."

The Santa Ana winds, dry coastal gusts that usually affect Southern California, are currently blowing between 40 to 60 mph. Humidity is low — around 2 to 8% — bringing dry conditions to Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Burbank and areas east of San Diego. If a fire begins, officials say the combination of dry weather and fast winds will spread any blaze that starts.