Publication: L.A. Times

UCLA Expert: Daniel Swain: Assistant Researcher and Climate Specialist, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability

Synopsis: Though the heavy rain and snow have brought some relief to the drought-stricken state, the precipitation could lead to extra growth of brush and grass that quickly turn to kindling in the summer and autumn months.

UCLA News: Swain pointed to the last wettest winter on record in parts of Northern California. A long, hot summer followed the winter of 2016-17, ultimately triggering the destructive Northern California firestorm in Oct. 2017, including the Tubbs fire that devastated Santa Rosa. The severity of this year’s fire season will depend on how quickly the snowpack melts and whether temperatures heat up this spring and summer, Swain said. “Just because we have a really wet winter does not mean that it’s obviously a mild fire season everywhere,” he added. “But it does change the dynamics.”

Read more at L.A. Times.