Light rain is forecasted to bring some relief to Southern California’s ongoing fire season this weekend, but it also raises concerns about landslides in areas affected by recent wildfires. UCLA and UC ANR climate scientist Daniel Swain commented that the drizzle will be “enough to tamp down but not end fire season.”
Swain will provide updates on new fires in greater Los Angeles, upcoming weather conditions, and February’s fire outlook during a live briefing on YouTube today at 3 p.m. PT/6 p.m. ET.
In his January 22 Office Hours session, Swain discussed the potential for more fire risk after the rains subside: “I think this [rainy] period will very likely be a period of greatly reduced fire risk. Once we get back to the end of the first week in February, though, unless it rains again, we’re going to be at the mercy of the winds, because all it will take is one Santa Ana event to evaporate all of this water, and we’ll be right back to where we started.”
He also highlighted landslide risks: “Isolated areas, particularly in the mountains, could see very intense downpours of a half an inch or an inch of rain in an hour. If that happens over a recent wildfire burn area, particularly on the Eaton or Palisades fires — or even the Line or Bridge fires from earlier in the year in September — there is going to be a risk of significant and potentially deadly debris flows.” Swain noted that while most people would benefit from this rainfall, those living near wildfire burn areas face increased danger.
The public can participate live by asking questions via chat or view recordings later using the same link. Media outlets are encouraged to quote Dr. Swain’s remarks from these sessions and seek further insights from UCLA’s wildfire and climate experts.
