Science behind Southern California’s extreme conditions

Malibu: The Franklin Fire has exploded to over 1,000 hectares as of Tuesday, thanks to some wild weather. It was first spotted late Monday night and quickly spiraled out of control under a red flag warning, which means fire danger is at an all-time high in California.

Remember the last red flag warning? That was back in November when a huge wildfire ripped through Ventura County. So, what’s making this situation so risky?

Let’s dive into the science behind it all. First up, we have the Santa Ana winds. These winds are notorious for stirring up extreme fire behavior. They blow in from inland areas, pushed toward the coast by high-pressure systems.

As these winds rush through mountain passes and valleys, they compress and heat up, losing moisture along the way. This drying effect not only makes the vegetation super flammable but also speeds up how fast fires can spread, with gusts sometimes hitting over 100 km/h.

Now, add in the extreme dryness. The combination of low humidity and parched vegetation creates a nightmare for fire conditions. When you mix this with the Santa Ana winds, it’s a recipe for disaster.

And let’s not forget about the terrain. The rugged mountains of California really amp up the winds and fire risk. The Santa Monica Mountains, just north of Malibu, act like a natural wind tunnel. The Malibu Canyon channels those winds, making them even stronger as they hit the coast, which cranks up the pressure on the fire zone.

Southern California is coming out of its dry season, but it’s been especially dry lately. Recent rainfall has been below normal, and while last winter brought some moisture, this ongoing dry spell is something to keep an eye on.

But there’s a glimmer of hope. Winds are expected to calm down by Wednesday, giving firefighters a crucial chance to take control. Plus, there’s a chance of light showers later this week, but don’t expect it to be enough to put out the Franklin Fire.