A tranquil pattern through Halloween weekend is expected to set the stage for what should be a generally dry November, although one storm in the month could buck the trend.

Millions in Southern California are facing extremely warm temperatures in the upper 90s this week amid a late October heat wave.

The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA released a red flag warning at 9:17 a.m. on Wednesday in effect until 6 p.m. The warning is for Southeastern Ventura County Valleys, Santa Susana Mountains and Western San Gabriel Mountains and Highway 14 Corridor.

The National Weather Service, grappling with staffing shortages, is cutting back on some forecasts in California. State officials fear flood forecasts could be impacted.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has directed state first responders to take early and proactive steps to protect Southern California communities.

While most of California is likely to see minimal rain and snow over the winter, the National Weather Service’s outlook indicates that Northern California — including Sacramento, Modesto and Merced — has “equal chances” of the season being wetter, drier or around average.

Several Los Angeles suburbs are on alert for potential wildfires as the season’s first Santa Ana winds roll down from nearby mountains.