Daniel Swain for the Gaurdian—Strongest winds in over a decade could bring fire risk to southern California

UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain discusses the extreme wind event forecasted for Southern California for the Guardian, sharing how the strongest winds in over a decade could heighten fire risks in the region. He explains that the combination of extremely dry conditions following an unusually wet season has created an abundance of vegetation that now serves as fuel for wildfires.

“All of that extra abundant growth of grass and vegetation followed immediately by a wind event of this magnitude while it’s still so incredibly dry,” Swain notes, elevates the danger. With gusts expected to reach 80 mph and some exceeding 100 mph in mountainous areas, the event could down trees, disrupt power and contribute to hazardous fire conditions.