A strong heat wave is hitting parts of the US West, raising the risk of wildfires. In response, California has sent fire crews and equipment to several counties ahead of the expected hot weather. The state is particularly worried because the plants and grasses are extremely dry, making it easier for fires to start and spread.
Southern California is forecast to see temperatures in the 90s and even into the 100s Fahrenheit (32-38 Celsius) starting Thursday, staying high through the weekend. This heat, combined with low humidity and a chance of thunderstorms near mountain areas, creates ideal conditions for brush fires. Some places might even break daily temperature records.
Daniel Swain, a climate scientist, pointed out that the vegetation is at record low moisture levels for August. This dryness follows a year since a rainy winter when plants grew but have since dried out.
Wildfires in the western US have become more intense in recent years. Climate change is causing longer dry spells broken by heavy rains. These rains feed plant growth, which then dries out and can fuel bigger fires. Some areas are still recovering from deadly fires earlier this year that destroyed many homes near Los Angeles.
California’s Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered the state’s emergency services to stand ready with fire engines, helicopters, bulldozers, and crews in five counties, including Los Angeles and Ventura. Crews have already dealt with several fires in the Los Angeles area this month, including a large one that burned over 130,000 acres and forced evacuations. Fire season usually peaks in early fall but can happen all year.
The heat wave won’t just affect California. The Southwest and High Plains are also expected to see daytime temperatures 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. Cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas could reach highs of 110 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit (38 to 44 Celsius) with little cool down at night. This extended heat adds to concerns about wildfires and other heat-related problems in the region.