With many parts of Los Angeles County still smoldering from wildfires and new blazes flaring up, the expected rain this weekend would seem like a welcome relief. But how the rain falls could make the difference between a disaster respite or a disaster repeat.

Santa Ana winds are funneling dry and cold air to Southern California, elevating fire danger and bringing overnight low temperatures to freezing points in some areas.

The fires come as San Diego County mountains and valleys, along with other parts of Southern California, remain under a red flag warning.