LOS ANGELES - Lighter winds in the Los Angeles area this weekend brought momentary respite to the thousands of firefighters battling deadly wildfires, but meteorologists said stronger winds would add to "critical fire weather" as soon as Monday.
WATCH: Discussion | LA fires | Thousands of homes gutted, about 13 missing
There is "virtually zero chance of rain" over the next week, which is also expected to see a return of the notoriously powerful Santa Ana winds, said meteorologist Daniel Swain.
As thousands of firefighters work around the clock to contain the fires that have claimed at least 27 lives, President-elect Donald Trump said he hoped to visit soon, "probably at the end of the week."
Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, had invited Trump last week to visit after the Republican president-elect blasted Newsom and other Democratic officials for what he said was poor water management that contributed to the fires.
Several fires have blackened vast areas of bone-dry vegetation and devastated urban neighbourhoods.
The big Eaton and Palisades fires, which remain active, have roared through some 16,200 hectares. They are, respectively, 73 percent and 43 percent contained, according to the official CalFire website.
With the firefighting effort making progress this weekend, thousands of evacuated residents were preparing to return home, while others still faced the stress of uncertainty.
Search and rescue teams aided by canine units have been scouring the smouldering ruins of neighbourhoods for possible victims in Altadena, just north of Los Angeles, and Malibu, on the Pacific coast.
An extensive logistical effort is underway to contain the fires, prevent further outbreaks, and restore the elements of normal life for the thousands of Californians affected.