By January, Southern California usually has experienced enough rain that a major winter wind event does not bring fears of a major fire. But not this year. More than eight months without any measurable rainfall, Southland officials are gearing up for what is expected to be a “life-threatening and destructive” windstorm. Beginning Tuesday, the winds are forecast to last several days and hit areas well beyond the region’s typical wind corridors — with the potential to stretch an already-active fire season into January.

Other drought articles:

• Newsweek: California drought: Map shows ‘abnormally dry’ conditions set to fuel fires
• Yahoo News: As drought worsens in Southern California, Santa Ana winds bring ‘extreme fire conditions’
• Washington Post: Southern California braces for ‘life-threatening’ wind and fire danger
• ABC News: Strongest winds in over a decade could increase fire risk to dry Southern California
• San Francisco Chronicle: ‘Destructive’ California windstorm could power 100-mph gusts. Here’s where the risk is highest 
• 10News (San Diego): San Diego county slips back into drought: What to expect this winter
• Ag Web/Pro Farmer: Drought threatens Southern California agriculture