Hydroclimate whiplash sparked by global warming fuels LA wildfires

Los Angeles’ deadly wildfires have been sparked by a phenomenon known as “hydroclimate whiplash”, the LA Times reported on January 9.

According to scientists, hydroclimate whiplash occurs when there is a major shift from wet weather to extremely dry weather. New research reveals that this quick shift from wet to dry or vice-versa amplifies the chance of environmental hazards emerging such as wildfires and flooding.

In particular, Southern California was vulnerable to hydroclimate whiplash as the region has witnessed extreme shifts in the past two years.

For instance, in 2023 and 2024 the region experienced abnormally wet winters. As a result, brush and grass grew rapidly throughout hillsides. Meanwhile, since October the region has experienced record dry conditions.    

And with warm and rainless weather, Los Angeles has become susceptible to weather whiplash which has seen the wildfires spread rapidly exacerbated by strong winds.

In a study published January 9 led by University of California Los Angeles climate scientist Daniel Swain, researchers observed an increase in whiplash events from 31% to 66% since the 1950s.

Meanwhile, the researchers predict that whiplash events are probable to more than double if global temperature rises hits 3°C since each additional degree of temperature rise causes the atmosphere to absorb and release more water.

The research paints a troubling outlook for California as the state naturally experiences some of the planet’s most significant shifts from wet weather to dry spells.

Beyond southern California, the researchers also highlighted another case of hydroclimate whiplash in East Africa in 2023, where torrential rains and flooding occurred after a lengthy drought which damaged crops and displaced local residents.

The LA wildfires have been raging since January 7. At least two dozen people have been killed in the blazes. More than 150,000 residents remain under evacuation orders and the fires have burnt more than 40,000 acres (16,200 hectares), an area bigger than the city of Paris.