2024 Fire Season Outlook
The 2024 fire season in California presents a mixed scenario due to diverse climatic conditions. January is likely to see above normal precipitation in the north, shifting to below normal from February to March. Southern California, influenced by weakening El Niño conditions, expects cooler temperatures and more rainfall through spring. However, the state's snowpack is critically low at 30% of normal. This imbalance raises concerns about potential drought conditions worsening if El Niño's wetter effects don't materialize. The season's outlook calls for vigilant monitoring and preparedness, as these varied weather patterns may lead to differing fire risks across regions.
Pictured: a CAL FIRE fire fighter igniting grass during the Forebay VMP burn.