Daniel Swain in The New York Times — Fires, Then Floods: Risk of Deadly Climate Combination Rises

Global warming is greatly increasing the risk that extreme wildfires in the American West are followed by heavy rainfall, a new study has found, highlighting the need for better preparations for hazards, like mudslides and flash floods, that can cause devastation long after the flames from severe blazes are out.

Dr. Swain said he and his colleagues were struck that their computer models showed such a consistent increase in risk across the West, even though the region’s climate is so varied. California has dry summers and wet winters, while in Colorado, both flooding and wildfire peak during the warm season.