Tag

Wildfire Risk

All articles tagged with #wildfire risk

Trump Plan to Scrap Roadless Protections Faces Colorado Shield and Legal Hurdles
environment6 days ago

Trump Plan to Scrap Roadless Protections Faces Colorado Shield and Legal Hurdles

The U.S. Forest Service filed to rescind the federal roadless rule covering about 45 million acres of national forest land, arguing it would improve forest health and wildfire prevention, while environmental groups warn it could lead to more roads and ignitions. Colorado and Idaho are exempt because they have their own roadless protections. The proposal enters a public-comment period with a Sept. 21 deadline and is likely to spark litigation once finalized.

Western Ridge Triggers Dual Southwest Heatwave Extending Into August as SoCal Remains Humid from Warm Seas
weather27 days ago

Western Ridge Triggers Dual Southwest Heatwave Extending Into August as SoCal Remains Humid from Warm Seas

A strong western Pacific ridge, intensified by a developing strong El Niño and amplified by Hurricane Genevieve, is setting up a double-peaked heatwave across the Southwest into August. Unusually warm near‑shore ocean temperatures are keeping coastal SoCal humid and muggy, while record‑high 500 mb geopotential heights boost inland heat and could push Death Valley toward extreme temperatures. Nights may stay warm (often above 70–75F), increasing health risks and wildfire risk as fuels dry, with monsoon moisture possible only in brief, limited bursts and the pattern likely persisting into autumn.

Bay Area Braces for Heat Peak Amid Hazardous Surf and Fire Risk
weather28 days ago

Bay Area Braces for Heat Peak Amid Hazardous Surf and Fire Risk

The Bay Area is set for its hottest stretch yet, with inland temperatures potentially over 100°F this weekend, but the bigger danger is hazardous surf from distant hurricanes that has already prompted water rescues. Forecasters warn of sneaker waves and strong rip currents, urging people to stay out of the water and off jetties, while dry conditions elevate wildfire risk inland.

SoCal Braces for Potentially Record-Breaking March Heat Wave
climate-and-environment5 months ago

SoCal Braces for Potentially Record-Breaking March Heat Wave

A dangerous, multi-day heat wave is forecast for Southern California and much of the U.S. Southwest next week, with highs near 100°F or more (Downtown Los Angeles around 101°F). The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch and a Monday heat advisory as temperatures rise 25–35 degrees above normal. The heat threatens babies, young children, and the elderly, prompting Mayor Bass to urge cooling centers at city facilities; residents should stay indoors, hydrate, and limit sun exposure to early morning or evening hours. While wildfire fuels are currently moist, the dry heat could accelerate drying with no significant rain in sight. Downtown L.A. could approach its 1879 March record of 99°F, potentially breaking it.

Panhandle Businessman Aims to Acquire Local Electric Utility
local-government-and-utilities7 months ago

Panhandle Businessman Aims to Acquire Local Electric Utility

A Texas Panhandle businessman, Salem Abraham, is leading efforts by local towns to pressure Xcel Energy to upgrade its aging infrastructure after wildfires caused by utility poles, with plans to potentially take over the utility if safety concerns persist. The coalition of towns is also exploring legal avenues for a utility takeover, citing safety failures and community distrust, while Xcel claims to have implemented significant safety measures and infrastructure improvements.

January's Full Wolf Moon and Meteor Shower Light Up the Sky
weather7 months ago

January's Full Wolf Moon and Meteor Shower Light Up the Sky

January's Wolf Moon is the first of three supermoons in 2025, coinciding with a brief cold front that will bring a slight temperature drop and increased wildfire risk in Austin. Despite recent cold snaps, the year remains among the warmest on record, with temperatures expected to stay above normal into early next week, and a chance of rain later in the week with another cold front.

Xcel to Preemptively Cut Power for 150K Customers Amid High Wind and Fire Risks
local-news8 months ago

Xcel to Preemptively Cut Power for 150K Customers Amid High Wind and Fire Risks

Xcel Energy is shutting off power for 50,000 customers along Colorado's Front Range due to high winds and dry conditions to prevent wildfires, with power expected to be restored by 6 p.m. and additional outages possible on Friday. The shutdown affects Boulder, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties, while Denver remains unaffected, and community comfort centers are being set up for residents in need.