Many of us have heard about the Santa Ana winds that are currently feeding and extending the destructive fires in southern California, but my guess is a lot us, including yours truly, do not understand their nature. Here is a link that explains the Santa Anas.  It appealed to me especially since the author cites one of my favorite passages from Raymond Chandler, the opening paragraph of "The Red Wind."

At this site you will find an excellent map illustrating how the Santa Anas that "curl your hair and make your nerves jump and your skin itch" develop.