High Wind, Fire Hazard Warnings in Effect

Might want to dismantle that backyard canopy and bring in the lawn furniture - some serious Santa Ana winds are heading this way.

Winds gusting upward of 80 mph are expected to whip the southland by Thursday, a condition that, mixed with low humidity, increases fire hazards, according to the National Weather Service.

Winds this strong can knock down trees and power poles, overturn patio furniture and cause other flying debris, as well as cause dangerous driving conditions, the weather service warned on its website.

By Wednesday evening, the winds could kick up to about 40 mph, and are expected to increase to 60 mph by Thursday morning, with gusts peaking at 80 mph. Sustained speeds of 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage, the weather service noted.

Close windows and secure outdoor lawn furniture, or other object that could hurtle into your neighbor's yard, weather officials advise.

Extended Forecast:

Wednesday: Sunny, with a temperature rising to near 70 by noon, then falling to around 52 during the remainder of the day. North wind 5 to 15 mph becoming west. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Windy, with a north northeast wind between 20 and 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Very windy, with a north northeast wind between 30 and 40 mph, with gusts as high as 60 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Windy, with a northeast wind around 35 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Windy, with a northeast wind between 30 and 35 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 54.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy and breezy, with a low around 39.

Sunday: Mostly sunny and breezy, with a high near 53.