LOS ANGELES — The wildfires raging across Los Angeles are the latest example of climate-driven extremes, with scientists warning that such events are set to intensify as global temperatures rise. Breaking out outside the usual wildfire season, the fires are spreading rapidly, forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes.

Experts now see fire as a year-round risk for California, where recent years have seen larger fires due to shifting weather patterns and drying conditions. Kimberley Simpson, a scientist at the University of Sheffield, explained that climate change is reshaping wildfire patterns in the region.

The fires were fueled by a rare atmospheric event — unusually strong winds amplified by a "mountain wave" effect. This phenomenon, when specific winds and temperatures align, creates powerful gusts that accelerate fires, as seen during the Marshall Fire in Colorado in 2021.

This week’s fires were further intensified by dry vegetation and a warming climate, with California’s average temperature rising 1°C since 1980. This has doubled the number of days with dry, fire-prone vegetation. Additionally, Los Angeles' urban landscape, with wooden homes and power lines, also contributed to the rapid spread, similar to the fires in Hawaii’s Lahaina in 2023.

Forecasters warned of more Santa Ana winds this week, which will continue to fuel the fire risk. Scientists also cautioned about secondary dangers, such as rockslides and exploding propane tanks, as the flames move through steep slopes and industrial areas.