California Wildfires Fueled By ‘Remarkable’ Dry Weather Conditions

[octoberlib]

A Southern California wildfire that burned through 8,000 acres yesterday has marked an early and ominous start to the state’s fire season.

The fire, fueled by unusually dry conditions and 25 to 60 mph winds that usually aren’t seen until late fall, has damaged 15 homes and forced the evacuation of hundreds of Ventura County residents. As of today, the so-called Springs fire spans more than 15 square miles, with weather forecasts predicting temperatures in the 90s and continuing strong winds.

California has experienced record low rainfall since the “rain year” began in July 2012, with Los Angeles receiving only about five inches of rain since then. Though the winter and early spring months are typically some of Califorina’s wettest, since 2013 began, downtown L.A. has received less than two inches of rain — a fraction of the 11 inches that’s typical for the region at this time of year. The year’s low rainfall coupled with strong Santa Ana winds have created perfect conditions for wildfires in the region, as climatologist William Patzert told the L.A. Times:

It was promising up to December and then all of sudden Mother Nature turned off the spigot,” he said. “It’s remarkable to get Santa Anas in May.… Every way you look at it, it’s been remarkable , unusual and incendiary."

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/05/03/1959121/mother-nature-turned-off-the-spigot-california-wildfires-fueled-by-remarkable-dry-weather-conditions/

[kestrel91316]

1. It's not burning because it's unusually dry. It's burning because it is both

unusually dry AND unusually hot. And unusually windy for this time of year.

I had no idea we were so horribly short on rain. I did notice that it only came in the fall and early winter, and very little since mid-Jan.

I get the feeling this is going to be an epic fire year.

[octoberlib]

2. I hope not and stay safe! nt