The Weather That Fueled the Southern California Wildfires: A Look at the Current Situation
The Role of Winds in Spreading the FireThe Southern California wildfires have been exacerbated by a combination of extreme weather conditions, with high winds playing a pivotal role in the rapid spread of flames. Strong, dry winds known as the Santa Ana winds are a common occurrence in the region, and they have significantly increased […]
Rising Temperatures: A New Factor in Intensifying Droughts and Wildfires
Recent studies by climate scientists from UCLA and NOAA have shed light on how rising temperatures are intensifying drought conditions across the western U.S. Between 2020 and 2022, an “ordinary” drought became an exceptional one, largely due to the warming climate. The study found that higher temperatures are accelerating evaporation, which is rapidly drying out […]
Texas Panhandle Fires Burn Structures, Close Nuclear Facility
Fueled by winds gusting at more than 60 mph and dry conditions, wildfires tore through the Texas Panhandle, destroying homes and forcing a nuclear weapons facility to shut down. Here’s the latest as of Wednesday morning: -The largest fire is called the Smokehouse Creek Fire. It has burned more than 400 square miles, according to […]
Maui Fires: Death Toll Nears 100, Gov. Says Recovery ‘Will Take Time’
Hawaii residents are just beginning the long process of identifying and mourning the victims of a catastrophic wildfire that tore through the town of Lahaina, killing at least 99. Gov. Josh Green confirmed the new death toll, three higher than previously reported, at a news conference Monday. He said recovery operations are proceeding “extremely vigorously,” […]
Major Fire Near Athens Contained But Europe’s Heat Wave Keeps Authorities On Alert
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece’s Fire Service intensified water drops west of Athens where a huge blaze was contained overnight, as authorities braced Thursday for a new round of extreme weather. Seven firefighting planes and nine helicopters were operating in the area, including four planes sent from Italy and France as part of a European […]