Los Angeles is facing catastrophic wildfires during its usual rainy season due to a combination of severe drought and powerful Santa Ana winds. The winds, reaching speeds of 97 km/h and expected to increase, are fanning flames and driving the fires downhill, posing a significant threat to the city. Experts warn that the dry conditions and strong winds create a dangerous situation, turning even small sparks into raging infernos.
A lethal combination of drought and powerful desert winds have fuelled the catastrophic mid-winter fires in Los Angeles in what should be the city’s rainy season.
“Those winds can be horrendous, and they are so dry that it does not matter if it is hot, you just get these incredible blast furnace fires.” Between the desert and the Los Angeles basin are the San Bernardino Mountains, which top out at 3506 metres – far taller than Australia’s largest mountain, Kosciuszko, at 2228 metres high.
Usually, Los Angeles has cooler, more humid breezes from the Pacific Ocean. A Santa Ana wind can plunge humidity to the single digits, causing vegetation both living and dead to dry out and become more flammable.Fires usually travel from the valley to the ridgeline, but the pressure of the winds coming over the mountains mean the fires can rush downhill.
“There is more energy in the environment because the atmosphere is hotter. Scientists will say they need to study the data, but I am saying this as a firefighter: this is unprecedented.”
Wildfires Santa Ana Winds Drought Los Angeles California
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Santa Ana Winds: Fueling California's WildfiresThis article explains the science behind Santa Ana winds, their role in fueling California wildfires, and their impact on the state.
Read more »
Destructive Santa Ana Winds Fuel Catastrophic LA Fires in Mid-WinterUnusually intense Santa Ana winds combined with drought conditions are driving catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles during its typically rainy season.
Read more »
Deadly Fires Ravage Los Angeles Amid Drought and Powerful WindsA combination of drought and strong Santa Ana winds has fueled devastating wildfires in Los Angeles during what should be the city's rainy season. The dry conditions and high winds pose a significant risk, making the fires difficult to contain.
Read more »
Wildfire Forces Evacuations in Los AngelesA wildfire fueled by strong Santa Ana winds rapidly spread through Los Angeles, prompting evacuations and forcing the cancellation of President Biden's visit to the state.
Read more »
Fast-Moving Bushfire Fueled by Windstorm Threatens Los Angeles HillsA rapidly spreading bushfire in the Los Angeles hills, fueled by a powerful windstorm, has forced evacuations and caused traffic jams as firefighters battle the blaze. The windstorm is expected to last for days, bringing dangerous conditions to Southern California.
Read more »
Fast-Moving Bushfire Threatens Celebrity Homes in Los Angeles Amid Powerful WindstormA rapidly spreading bushfire fueled by strong winds is burning through the Los Angeles hills, posing a serious threat to homes in areas populated by celebrities. Residents are evacuating as firefighters struggle to contain the blaze, with the windstorm expected to last for days and bring gusts of up to 160km/h. The fire has already consumed over 80 hectares of dry brush and sent up a massive plume of smoke visible across the city. Actor James Woods posted footage online showing flames racing through the hills, while Steve Guttenberg urged people to leave their car keys behind so emergency vehicles could access the area. The windstorm has also caused widespread damage, toppling trees and creating dangerous surf conditions.
Read more »