Firefighters welcomed a break Saturday morning from the dangerous Santa Ana winds. But the reprieve will only be measured in hours, as strong winds return later Saturday.

Southern California is going to get a much-needed break from the relentless Santa Ana winds that led to the destructive wind and firestorms that have left at least 10 people dead and neighborhoods in ruins.

The devastating fires that have killed at least five people and forced the evacuations of tens of thousands of residents across the Los Angeles region are driven by Santa Ana winds that blow from the deserts of interior California and Nevada out to the Pacific Ocean.

Santa Ana winds are caused by strong high pressure over the Great Basin region of the West creating a pressure gradient that amps up winds through the mountains, foothills and sometimes valleys of Southern California. In this case, the winds are getting a major boost from a strong upper-level low pushing southward across the state.

News Storm Team Meteorologist Chris Bouzakis has a look at what the Santa Ana winds are and why they are helping these fires become so destructive.

Santa Ana winds in Southern California are often-fierce winds that topple power lines and trees and can turn a spark into a raging wildfire.

Wildfires in Los Angeles have resulted in 10 deaths and extensive property damage. The Palisades and Eaton fires are among the most destructive, exacerbated by climate change and severe drought conditions.

Although the strongest wind gusts have passed through the Southern California region, another "traditional Santa Ana wind event" will move in Thursday night.