More winds will blow into Southern California on Thursday, Jan. 9, and more Santa Ana winds are expected early next week, forecasters say.

“We had a slight weakening of the winds last night, which was good news, but we are starting to see the increasing winds that we expect today and into the night,” said NWS meteorologist David Gomberg. “There is definitely concern about the Palisades Fire as there will be increased winds throughout the area.”

The Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades and Malibu had charred 17,600 acres and destroyed or damaged thousands of structures as of Thursday morning, officials said. Containment remained at 0%.

Wind speeds of 30 to 50 mph are expected during the day, according to the NWS forecast. Gusts are expected to increase by 10 to 15 mph Thursday evening into Friday morning. Gomberg said wind speeds are expected to peak between midday today and 6 a.m. tomorrow morning.

Increased winds are expected in areas typically affected by Santa Ana winds, such as Malibu, along with Santa Monica, the San Fernando Valley and the Santa Clarita Valley.

The San Gabriel Valley will also see increased winds Thursday in what will primarily be a “mountain event,” said NWS meteorologist John Dumas. It will still affect the foothills where the 10,600-acre Eaton fire is burning, and a red flag warning remains in effect through Friday as low humidity continues in the area.

“Winds will increase tonight, which will clearly impact fire behavior, but will not impact our strategy unless our aircraft remain grounded,” Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart said. “At the moment that doesn’t appear to be the case, but we won’t know until it arrives.”

Although winds are expected to ease over the weekend and continue to support firefights, Gomberg warns that there is a possibility of further strong winds starting Monday and Tuesday.

“There is no rain in sight to provide relief and we have another wind event in Santa Ana next week,” Gomberg said. “There could also be new fires.”