Tag #Hydroclimate Volatility

What is the direct impact of increased hydroclimate volatility on the severity and spread of the Los Angeles wildfires?

A new study published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment reveals that global warming intensifies both wet and dry extremes, creating conditions ideal for devastating wildfires, as seen in the current Los Angeles blazes. The study shows a 31 percent to 66 percent increase in subseasonal "whiplash" events since the mid-20th century, characterized by rapid transitions between extremely wet and dry conditions. This volatility leads to abundant vegetation growth followed by rapid drying, creating highly combustible fuel for wildfires.