Conditions are expected to deteriorate across parts of the Southwestfollowing a warm, sunny day Wednesday. A storm system from the Pacific willpush through the Pacific Northwest and into the Rockies over the next 24-48hours. This storm system will continue to intensify through the end of theweek, and strong winds will be kicked up across California, Nevada, Arizona andUtah.The system will also spread rain and mountain snow to interior parts of theSouthwest for Friday into Saturday. One area likely to avoid precipitation fromthis system will be central and Southern California. The combination of droughtconditions and gusty winds will result in another problem, however, thepotential for brushfires.

Story by AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Eric Wanenchak