CALIFORNIA, USA — Despite the fourth largest wildfire in California history burning near Chico, fire season could still get worse over the fall months across California.
Record heat has blasted California, with long heat waves in Southern California and now the most 100 degree days in a year in downtown Sacramento, 45 days. It beats the old record of 44 days set in 2022.
90-degree temperatures in May and 100-degree temperatures in early June, along with an abundance of vegetation, is leading to prime conditions for fires to take off in California.
So far, almost 995,974 acres have burned this year. The five-year average is just over 1 million acres burned. The state hasn't yet entered the gustiest months of October and November, which is when the Santa Ana winds tend to accelerate.
14 of the top 20 most destructive fires in California history have taken place in the months of September, October, November and early December. Four of the top five have been in October and November.
The contributing factors
Vegetation has had a long time to dry out from the summer heat, and these months often deal with a meridional flow in the jet stream. That means there are more high and low pressure systems causing the jet stream to move like a rollercoaster ride. Pressure between these highs and lows cause winds to ramp up. Now, there's further drying of vegetation, and if any fires spark, they could take off quickly with wind speeds.
2024 is seeing high vegetation due to two wet years. 2023 saw a normal precipitation year, while 2022 saw the second-highest snowpack on record.
Even though conditions are prime for burning, it is going to take everyone to do their part in preventing fire outbreaks. That means putting out campfires properly, avoid dragging chains, not mowing over dry grass and clearing homes and gutters of dry leaves and vegetation.
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