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.