Daniel Swain for Washington Post—Dry lightning, heat and wind could escalate fire activity in the West

UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain discusses the escalating fire risk in the West for Washington Post, highlighting the potential for dry lightning, heat and wind to intensify wildfire activity. Swain shares how a combination of record-breaking July heat and unstable weather conditions could exacerbate the spread of existing fires, like California’s Park Fire, and spark new blazes. “I would expect to see another considerable uptick — so the season is far from over, and may well end up running longer than would be the case under typical historical conditions,” Swain said. This increased fire risk is forecast to persist through September, with the potential for more severe conditions in the fall.