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The ‘Weather Whiplash’ Fueling the Los Angeles Fires Is Becoming More Common

Summary

New research highlights the growing prevalence of "weather whiplash," rapid shifts between extreme rain and drought, as a hallmark of climate change. In Los Angeles, this phenomenon has intensified wildfires, as abundant rain fosters vegetation growth that later dries and becomes fuel. Globally, weather whiplash has risen by 31–66% since the mid-20th century and is accelerating faster than models predicted. The study attributes this to the "expanding atmospheric sponge effect," where a warmer atmosphere alternates between heavy rainfall and intensified drying. Regions like northern Africa, South Asia, and high-latitude areas face the most severe impacts. To adapt, experts recommend flexible solutions such as expanding natural floodplains and enhancing water storage systems. Meanwhile, moderate weather patterns continue to decline, emphasizing the urgency of climate resilience.

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