Southern California faces heightened wildfire dangers this week due to strong winds and low humidity, as per forecasts. The National Weather Service alerts that gusts reaching 80mph are expected across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties from Tuesday into Wednesday. These conditions could lead to "scattered downed trees and power outages," alongside rapid spread if wildfires ignite, the service warned. Particularly at risk is the area affected by the previous month's Franklin Fire, which devastated 48 structures in Malibu.
This threat comes as part of the broader pattern affecting the state. Last year, nearly 8,000 wildfires burned over 1 million acres in California. The lack of rain in Southern California, coupled with dry winds such as the Santa Anas, has led to above-normal temperatures, whereas Northern California has experienced significant rainfall this season. This continues the "extreme precipitation disparity" between the regions, as described by climate scientist Daniel Swain.
Despite storm activity up north, Southern California has received negligible rain since May, pushing much of the region into moderate drought, according to the US Drought Monitor. Daniel Swain noted that San Diego County, in particular, has endured its driest start to the season, along with the driest nine-month span in over 150 years. Consequently, Southern California's drought conditions are severe, intensifying the risks associated with the fire-prone landscape. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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