Speed Reads
Southern California is expecting very strong winds and low humidity for a 24-hour period beginning Saturday and ending Sunday. The weather conditions will pose a new challenge to the thousands of firefighters battling wildfires in the region, especially those dealing with the Thomas Fire, which is now the third-largest wildfire in California's recorded history.
The Thomas Fire has burned 259,000 acres in its 12 days of existence. It is 40 percent contained and has claimed the life of one firefighter.