Southern California could be at a significantly higher risk of wildfires this summer as officials prepare following the devastating Los Angeles blazes

Since 1993, seven of the 10 worst fire years in California, ranked by total acres burned, have occurred after drier-than-normal winters. By contrast, eight of the state’s 10 mildest fire years occurred after wetter-than-normal winters, according to an analysis by the Bay Area News Group and Golden Gate Weather Services, a Half Moon Bay company.

Generally, wet winters lower wildfire risk and dry winters increase it. Northern California received much more rain and snow this winter than Southern California.

California, still recovering from January’s catastrophic wildfires that caused between $250 and $275 billion in total damage and economic loss, is bracing for more destructive weather this summer. The summer is typically the worst for wildfires,

Kavya Beheraj/Axios Hot, dry and windy weather that fuels wildfires is becoming more common in San Diego County and much of the western U.S. amid climate change, a new analysis finds. Why it matters: What used to be several months of fire season is stretching in some places into a yearlong phenomenon,

Southern California could be at a significantly higher risk of wildfires this summer as officials prepare following the devastating Los Angeles blazes