In Southern California, there's about a 50% chance of rain over the areas charred by the Woolsey Fire as early as Wednesday, said David Gomberg of the National Weather Service. Forecasters say the area could see a quarter to three-quarters of an inch of rain.

"It doesn't look like a real heavy rain producer," he said. "In San Bernardino County ... it's very high certainty you'll get some rain, and going south into Ventura and Los Angeles counties, the probability weakens."

Even so, forecasters warned of potential rock slides and debris flows across roadways below fire-ravaged slopes, especially along Highway 1 and canyon roads.

Evacuation orders were lifted for some parts of the Malibu Colony Cove neighborhood on Saturday and others were expected to be allowed back into the community at 2 p.m. Sunday.