Santa Ana winds will continue whipping through Southern California through Thursday, sparking fears that progress made fighting wildfires that have scorched over 40,000 acres and left 28 dead could be reversed and more blazes could break out.

Much-need rain has begun to fall over Southern California, bringing relief to the drought-stricken region but also the threat of toxic runoff.

More rain fell Monday on parts of Southern California after causing mudflows over the weekend, helping firefighters but boosting the risk of toxic ash runoff in areas scorched by Los Angeles-area wildfires.

Southern California is about to get its first significant rainfall in months, bringing desperately needed relief after dry conditions and hazardous winds fueled a series of wildfires in January. The rain could start as early as Saturday afternoon and last through Monday night with the heaviest rain coming on Sunday,

The intermittent showers sweeping across parts of Southern California on Sunday provided welcome relief for firefighters battling devastating wildfires but could bring an unwelcome side effect − mudslides.

Rain on the way to parched Southern California on Saturday will aid firefighters mopping up multiple wildfires. But heavy downpours on charred hillsides could bring the threat of new troubles like toxic ash runoff.