Strong offshore winds, low relative humidity and above-normal temperatures prompted the National Weather Service Tuesday to issue a red flag warning for Christmas Day.
The warning, signifying high wildfire danger, will be in effect from 4 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Meteorologists say the unseasonably warm weather and offshore winds are the result of a big high-pressure system over the region. Adding to the fire danger is the low "live fuel moisture," which refers to the water content in the brush.
High temperatures Christmas Day could top 80 degrees, according to the NWS.
To set a record high in downtown Los Angeles for Dec. 25, the temperature will have to exceed 80 degrees — the record high for that date, set in 1980, NWS meteorologist Joe Sirard said.
"We have a chance to beat that," he said, adding that the highs in South Florida were forecast to rival those in Southern California. Highs in coastal south Texas were forecast to top out in the upper 70s.
Other area record highs for Christmas Day include 84 degrees in Woodland Hills, set in 1985; 84 degrees at UCLA, set in 1950; and 83 degrees at LAX, set in 1942.
Dry conditions should persist Thursday, but the winds should weaken, though strong gusts will still be possible below canyons and passes. Temperatures will remain well above normal, ranging from the mid 70s at the beaches to about 80 degrees inland.
The relatively balmy Southland weather contrasts with bitter cold conditions across much of the Midwest and New England, where utility crews are scrambling to restore electrical service to hundreds of thousands of homes.
— City News Service
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