Climate-induced powerful winds and bone-dry vegetation fueled the catastrophic wildfires that tore through Los Angeles in early January, destroying over 16,000 homes and buildings, according to two studies cited by National Public Radio.
A long, hot summer left the region’s vegetation dangerously dry. Winter rains failed to arrive on time, and then came the infamous Santa Ana winds, with gusts exceeding 80 mph.
The adverse weather conditions resulted in the fast-moving blaze that overwhelmed firefighters and forced thousands to evacuate.
Two independent studies—one from UCLA and another from World Weather Attribution—found that extreme heat and a drier atmosphere, both linked to climate change, made these fires more destructive. The research shows that heat-trapping gases from burning fossil fuels have increased temperatures and reduced humidity, making vegetation even more flammable.
Los Angeles experienced record-breaking heat last September, contributing to one of the hottest June-December periods since 1895.
According to UCLA, extreme heat accounted for about 25% of the moisture deficit in the region’s vegetation. Meanwhile, The Santa Ana winds played the biggest role in spreading the fires, sending embers flying into homes and neighborhoods.