California is being lashed by powerful winds that are causing humidity levels to drop and raising the risk of wildfires in much of the state.

California residents face power shutoffs this week as warm, dry winds sweep the state, threatening to tear down utility lines and spark wildfires.

San Francisco Chronicle meteorologist Anthony Edwards said this week’s offshore winds – which defy the usual pattern by blowing from inland west toward the ocean – represent

Some polling locations could be affected by power shutoffs this week because of high winds that could increase wildfire activity. But officials say voting should not be interrupted.

The state is still recovering from one of the worst wildfire seasons on record with more than 1 million acres burned so far. High winds can cause power companies to shut off power to some areas to mitigate the risks of power lines sparking fires.