Dry weather and changing precipitation patterns are increasing the risk of wildfires in the U.S. (Credit: Christian Roberts-Olsen/Shutterstock)
The United States can expect to see 60,000 to 75,000 wildfires this year, according to a new report from AccuWeather.
Forecasters are predicting a wildfire season similar to last year’s and roughly in line with modern historical averages. That means somewhere between 7 million and 9 million acres will burn in the coming months — and about one million of those acres will be in California.
The LA wildfires in January alone caused an estimated $250 billion to $275 billion in total damage and economic loss, according to AccuWeather’s estimates.
“The combination of rising temperatures, worsening droughts and changing precipitation patterns continues to increase the risk of wildfires in America," said Brett Anderson, AccuWeather senior meteorologist, in a statement. "More people are living and building in vulnerable areas, which is compounding the risk to lives and property."
The southern plains and parts of the Southwest are facing the highest wildfire risk currently, due to drought conditions and windstorms. Dozens of fires sparked across Oklahoma and Texas in late March after several days of high winds.
Dry conditions in Gulf Coast states and along the East Coast have also created elevated fire risk for those regions. Wildfires hit the Carolinas late last month, fueled by felled trees from Hurricane Helene last year.
The Mountain West isn't expected to see wildfire conditions until later in the summer, once snow melts and vegetation dries out from high temperatures.
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