Even as the weather was expected to improve, forecasters said gusty winds will continue through Wednesday morning, especially in the mountains, and critical fire conditions remain. Santa Anas are notorious seasonal winds are withering, dry gusts that sweep out of the interior toward the coast, pushing back moist ocean breezes.

California firefighters made progress Wednesday battling the Franklin Fire, which exploded under high winds earlier this week, although more than 6,000 people remained forced from their homes, officials said.