Los Angeles witnessed one of its worst wildfire outbreaks in January 2025, and according to a new World Weather Attribution (WWA) report, human-induced climate change played a key role in making the conditions 35% more likely.
The fires, which began on January 7 in Palisades and Eaton counties, quickly spread, fueled by dry vegetation and strong Santa Ana winds. Over the following weeks, additional fires erupted in San Diego County, ultimately burning over 57,000 acres and causing 28 deaths.
For the first time in history, global temperatures surpassed 1.5°C in 2024. The WWA report warns that if temperatures rise to 2.6°C by 2100, the likelihood of such wildfire-friendly conditions will increase by another 35%.
Clair Barnes, a researcher at Imperial College London, emphasized how prolonged drought conditions and shifting weather patterns have pushed the fire season into winter. Historically, California’s fire season ended with October-December rainfall, but recent rainfall shortages have extended fire-prone conditions by 23 more days annually compared to preindustrial times.
John Abatzoglou, a climatologist at UC Merced, described the January 2025 wildfires as a “perfect storm” fueled by climate change, high temperatures, strong winds, and a strained water supply.
The Santa Ana winds, which blow dry air westward from desert regions toward the California coast, played a major role in the fire’s rapid spread. These winds are most common during cooler months, intensifying fires in areas with dry vegetation.
Roop Singh from the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre explained that climate change dried out the landscape, but the hurricane-force winds, urban spread of fires, and water shortages made containment nearly impossible.
Researchers found that low rainfall in October-December is now 2.4 times more likely during El Niño years and 1.8 times more likely during La Niña years compared to preindustrial times. This shift, coupled with rising temperatures, suggests that winter wildfires in California could become more frequent and severe.
As climate change continues to reshape weather patterns, experts stress the urgent need for better wildfire preparedness and water management to prevent future disasters.