Santa Ana winds and climate change are fueling wildfires in Malibu, California.
- A 2023 study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), revealed that 10 of the largest California wildfires have occurred in the last 20 years — five of which occurred in 2020 alone.
- This has happened primarily because of climate change.
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About Malibu Wildfires
- The Franklin Fire, which began on December 9 in Malibu, California, has burned over 4,000 acres and impacted around 22,000 residents.
- While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, experts attribute its severity to two factors: the Santa Ana winds and the effects of climate change.

About Santa Ana Winds
- Santa Ana wind is a local wind and seasonal weather phenomenon unique to Southern California, known for their hot, dry, and gusty conditions.
- It is named after Southern California’s Santa Ana Canyon.
- Time Period: These winds usually occur between October and January due to seasonal high-pressure patterns over the Great Basin.
- Impact on Wildfires:
- Santa Ana winds intensify wildfires by reducing humidity, increasing temperatures, and spreading flames with strong gusts.
- In the Franklin Fire in Malibu, these winds significantly contributed to the rapid drying of vegetation and the fire’s severity.
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About Local Winds

- Local winds are small-scale winds influenced by local topography and temperature differences.
- For Example: Loo (Indian Subcontinent), Bora wind (Adriatic region)
- They are typically short-lived and have a limited impact area.
Characteristics
- Small Scale: They operate over smaller regions compared to global wind patterns.
- Short-lived: Their duration is usually limited to hours or days.
- Influenced by Local Factors: Topography, temperature differences, and coastal locations significantly impact their formation and direction.