Could Texas be impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires? We asked a local meteorologist
As wildfires continue to rage across Southern California, Texans may wonder if the Lone Star state will experience effects from the fires.
The concern comes as the first winter storm of the season brought plunging temperatures, light drizzle and flurries to North Texas this week, along with drier air rolling in from the west.
Given that Texas has a year-round wildfire season with a higher danger in the winter, the Star-Telegram spoke with Juan Hernandez, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Fort Worth, about the present wildfire risk.
Here’s what to know.
Could Texas feel effects from the Los Angeles fires?
The chance of Texas experiencing consequences from the flames in California are extremely low.
“Everything being omitted by those fires is going out to the Pacific [Ocean]. It would have to travel a great distance to get to us,” Hernandez said.
The reason behind the wildfires is unique to California.
“It’s because of the Santa Ana winds coming from the northeast and blowing towards the southwest. I don’t think we’ll have to deal with it coming to us because we’re so far away,” Hernandez said.
The Santa Ana winds, which are typically warm, are caused by air moving westward into low pressure off the coast of California from an area of high pressure over the dry, desert region of the southwestern United States. Dry winds are produced as a result, and they move through Southern California’s mountain passes from east to west.
These strong winds have the potential to cause significant property damage. They also increase the risk of wildfires due to their rapid flame spread and dryness.
What is the current risk for wildfires in Texas?
Hernandez said the risk of wildfires in Texas depends on how much precipitation the state gets.
“If we’re not in a drought, the wildfire potential remains low. When you start going into drought, especially in the winter where the grasses are dormant, it’s much easier for a wildfire to ignite,” he said. “Right now, since precipitation is falling, it helps to lower the wildfire threat. I think the threat will be low for another several weeks at least. “
On Wednesday, the Texas A&M Forest Service responded to one new request for help with flames that were consuming seven acres in Bee County.
As of Friday, the fire has been completely contained.
