In recent decades, wildfires across the United States have grown in both frequency and ferocity. These fires are no longer isolated events that pop up during the hottest months—they’ve become more frequent, more intense, and far harder to control. You’ve probably noticed it yourself: fires seem to be devouring large areas of land, particularly in California, at a rate we haven’t seen before. What’s fueling this? A growing trend called “fire weather”—those hot, dry, and windy conditions that are practically a perfect storm for wildfires to thrive.
Scientists at Climate Central, after digging into five decades of climate data, have found that fire weather is on the rise at an alarming rate. The Southwest, in particular, is feeling the heat. For instance, Southeast Arizona now endures an extra 57 fire weather days compared to the 1970s. And it’s not just the West; even parts of the East are seeing more days with conditions ripe for wildfires.
You’ve probably heard a lot about climate change, but here’s how it’s affecting fire weather specifically: As the planet warms, temperatures climb, drying out the air. When that happens, wildfires don’t just start more easily—they become bigger, hotter, and harder to put out. According to Caitlyn Trudeau, a climate scientist, “We’re seeing fires that burn hotter, spread faster, and leave very little time to escape.”
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The increasing number of fire weather days has cascading effects. First, it limits the time we have for prescribed burns, those controlled fires that help clear out underbrush and prevent larger, more dangerous wildfires. Without these, dry vegetation builds up, and when fire season hits, it’s like trying to put out a blaze with gasoline. Second, even heavy winter rainfalls, which might seem like a blessing, turn into a double-edged sword. Sure, they relieve drought, but they also cause new vegetation to grow. Once that greenery dries out, it becomes the perfect fuel for the next wildfire season.
What does all this mean for us? If we continue down this path without significant changes in how we manage land and respond to climate threats, fire weather is going to get worse. The fires we’re seeing today will feel mild compared to what’s coming. And those of us living in areas vulnerable to wildfires—whether it’s California, Arizona, or other parts of the U.S.—will face more dangerous conditions and fewer ways to protect our communities.
But there is hope. While the data paints a troubling picture, we’re not out of options. By adapting our strategies, whether it’s improving land management practices or doubling down on efforts to combat climate change, we can still reduce the impact of these increasingly common fires. So while fire weather may be on the rise, our ability to confront it can rise too, if we act fast enough.