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Much of SoCal experiencing driest start to winter on record
Aerial view of the Palisades fire near Mountain Gate Country Club.
(
Myung J. Chun
/
Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
)
Topline:
Southern California is experiencing a “remarkably dry” start to the winter, according to the National Weather Service. Our wet season typically starts in December, but most of Southern California has seen no rain for a record 255 days, and there’s no end to that dry streak through at least the rest of this month.
What it means: Weather authorities are calling the ongoing high fire risk and dryness of vegetation “extraordinary for January.” This winter is now the driest, or second-driest, on record for most of Southern California.
The context: Fossil fuel pollution in our atmosphere is supercharging Southern California’s natural weather cycles, driving what’s called “weather whiplash.” Two years of historically wet winters allowed lots of vegetation growth, then a record hot summer dried it all out. UCLA researchers found vegetation was about 25% drier than normal this January due to human-caused climate change. Add in extremely strong Santa Ana winds and it’s a recipe for the deadly and destructive disaster that has unfolded.
What’s next: Weather officials are predicting little to no rain through at least the end of the month. They’re also predicting a possible new round of Santa Ana winds next week. Once rain does come, with the recent fires, there’s an increased danger of mudslides.
Be prepared: Pay attention to weather alerts and local news, keep that go-bag packed and have a plan to evacuate. We know this is a difficult time for our communities, so make sure you also are getting the mental health support you need during these times of extended stress and danger.
The future: Scientists warn that if fossil fuel pollution isn’t significantly cut, these kinds of extreme events are only predicted to worsen.
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Fire recovery: Victims and evacuees can get started with these resources
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