With parts of Los Angeles County still smoldering from wildfires, the expected rain this weekend would seem like a welcome relief. But how the rain falls could make the difference between a disaster respite or a disaster repeat.

Over 1,100 firefighters were “strategically pre-positioned” across Southern California to address "ongoing critical fire weather," Cal Fire said.

As wildfires continued to burn in Los Angeles, several new fires broke out in San Diego County, prompting evacuation orders and warnings.

Some behaviors, like yawning and scratching, are socially contagious. If one person does it, others are likely to follow suit. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that socially contagious behavior is hardwired in the brain.

The first significant rainfall in several months will spread across Southern California this weekend, giving a badly needed sip of water to an area parched by drought and devastated by multiple raging wildfires.

The death toll from wildfires raging near Los Angeles has risen to 28, authorities said Tuesday, as new fires prompted evacuations near San Diego.

Editor's note: This file captures the news of the California wildfires from Tuesday, Jan. 21. For the latest updates on the LA and San Diego fires, follow USA TODAY's coverage for Wednesday, Jan. 22.

An additional 1,500 troops have arrived at the U.S.-Mexico border after President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in one of his first official acts.

There is a 10% to 20% chance of flash flooding and landslides in some recently burned areas of Los Angeles County, forecasters say, including the Palisades and Eaton fire areas.

The city is forging ahead with high-density housing plans while neglecting brush management and the creation of safe evacuation routes, putting the residents of University City and other neighborhoods at high risk.

More passenger trains are being added between two Southern California cities this year. The Biden Administration has awarded a $27 million federal grant to the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency to add additional Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service between Los Angeles and San Diego.