A new scientific study has confirmed that climate change played a significant role in the extreme weather conditions that fueled the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. According to researchers from World Weather Attribution (WWA), global warming has made such hot, dry conditions 35% more likely—a key factor in the spread of intense fires.

A Growing Threat

The study highlights that LA’s wildfire season is getting longer, while rainfall, which typically helps control fires, has declined. Scientists emphasize that multiple factors contribute to wildfires, but there is strong evidence that rising temperatures are making LA more vulnerable to destructive blazes.

"Drought conditions are increasingly extending into winter, raising the risk of fires breaking out during strong Santa Ana winds," explained Dr. Clair Barnes, the study’s lead author from Imperial College London.

Santa Ana winds—powerful, dry gusts blowing from inland California to the coast—play a crucial role in spreading wildfires. When combined with prolonged drought and heat, they can turn even small ignitions into fast-moving infernos.

Deadly Consequences

The fires, which ignited in early January, have caused immense destruction, claiming around 30 lives and destroying over 10,000 homes. The WWA team used climate models and real-world data to analyze how human-induced warming has influenced wildfire conditions.

Their findings suggest that today’s hot, dry conditions are expected to occur once every 17 years, compared to being much rarer in a pre-industrial climate. The analysis also shows that drought conditions between October and December are now 2.4 times more likely than before widespread fossil fuel use.

"The models match what we see in real-world observations," said Dr. Friederike Otto, head of WWA. "We can confidently say that climate change has played a significant role in increasing wildfire risk."

The Climate Whiplash Effect

The study builds on previous research that linked the LA wildfires to "climate whiplash"—a pattern where extreme wet years are immediately followed by dry ones.

In this case, two unusually wet winters encouraged the growth of vegetation, which then became dry fuel for fires when a severe drought hit in autumn and winter. This cycle, scientists warn, is becoming more frequent due to climate change.

Although researchers acknowledge some uncertainties—such as whether rising temperatures are directly linked to longer fire seasons or reduced rainfall—they conclude that global warming has undeniably increased the likelihood of extreme fires in LA.

With continued fossil fuel emissions, experts warn that these devastating wildfires will become even more common in the future.

"A Carefully Researched Result"

Independent experts agree with the findings, emphasizing the need for urgent climate action.

"This is a carefully researched result that should be taken seriously," said Professor Gabi Hegerl from the University of Edinburgh, who was not involved in the study.

As climate change continues to alter weather patterns, scientists stress the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to prevent future disasters.