Hot, dry conditions elevate fire weather threat

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - High pressure building over the western states will bring hot and dry weather to Southern California this week, with a Santa Ana wind pattern beginning to set up Sunday, elevating the fire weather threat through much of the week, the National Weather Service said.

Offshore flow will be strongest late Sunday through Monday morning over the mountains and foothills, forecasters said. Winds will weaken Tuesday through the remainder of the week, but the heat and low humidity will continue.

Gradual cooling will occur next weekend as the high pressure starts to break down.

Sunday's...