Science Weekly How weather ‘whiplash’ set the stage for the LA fires
Jan 14, 2025
Albert van Dijk, a Professor of water science and management at the Australian National University, delves into the alarming trends of 'weather whiplash' affecting California and beyond. He explains how rising temperatures are causing unpredictable swings between floods and fires, particularly during what should be wet seasons. The conversation highlights the impact of a disrupted water cycle, with extreme rainfall and drought coexisting. Van Dijk emphasizes the need for effective water management strategies to combat these escalating climate challenges.
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Weather Whiplash Explained
- Weather whiplash describes the rapid swings between extreme weather events.
- This is driven by an increasingly erratic water cycle influenced by rising temperatures.
Water Cycle and Temperature
- The global water cycle, driven by temperature, is at the root of both floods and fires.
- Rising temperatures are speeding up this cycle, leading to more extreme weather events.
Drier and Wetter
- A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, intensifying both droughts and rainfall.
- It acts like a sponge, absorbing more water during dry periods and releasing it in heavy downpours.