Climate Impact Report – 1/29
January 29, 2025
tags
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climate change &
la firesA recent study found that climate change-induced factors made the hot and dry weather conditions that gave rise to the Los Angeles County fires about 35% more likely.
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southern
storms
u.s.Severe thunderstorms and flood risks are expected to hit Southern states starting Wednesday night.
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glacier
mass
lossResearchers found that seven of the ten years with the most significant glacier mass loss have occurred since 2010, highlighting the accelerating pace of glacial retreat in recent decades.
Key Facts Of The Day 1/29
Storms And Flooding
- Southern states are expected to experience severe weather, including heavy rainfall, hail, isolated tornadoes, and damaging wind gusts of up to 55 to 65 mph.
- Starting Wednesday night, impacted areas from Texas to Mississippi are forecasted to be under flood risk warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings.
- As of Wednesday, the Great Lakes and Northeast region remained under alerts for snow squalls. On Wednesday, sudden overnight freeze-ups are expected to create hazardous driving conditions.
Wildfires
- In California, 312 fires have burned 57,509 acres as of Wednesday.
- As of Wednesday, the Palisades Fire has burned 23,448 acres and is 96% contained.
- As of Wednesday, the Eaton Fire has burned 14,021 acres and is 99% contained.
- As of Wednesday, the Hughes Fire has burned 10,425 acres and is 98% contained.
- As of Wednesday, the Border 2 Fire has burned 6,625 acres and is 90% contained.
Extreme Heat
- A recent study found that three climate change-induced factors boosted the risk of the Los Angeles County fires.
- Researchers found that global warming caused by fossil fuel burning made the hot, dry, and windy conditions that persisted in LA County 35% more likely.
- The study found that low rainfall in Southern California from October to December 2024 was 2.4 times more likely than in the preindustrial past, before the climate crisis.
- Researchers also found that climate change extended the timeframe of high fire risk conditions by more than three weeks, now reaching into January, increasing the likelihood that fires can break out during peak Santa Ana winds.
- A new study found that seven of the ten years with the most significant glacier mass loss have occurred since 2010, highlighting the accelerating pace of glacial retreat in recent decades.