Forecasters warned that fierce winds could return to the Los Angeles area Tuesday, threatening the progress in the fight against deadly wildfires that have destroyed neighborhoods and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes.

USA Today reports Santa Ana winds of 45 to 70 mph were forecast through the midweek, with peak wind gusts expected between Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service, which issued critical red flag warnings across much of southwestern California.

With the combination of high winds, low humidity and relentless drought conditions, the weather service office in Los Angeles warned of a “particularly dangerous situation” for northern Los Angeles County and Ventura County areas, adding that “this setup is about as bad as it gets.”