hydroclimatewhiplash

In News
The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles were driven by rare meteorological conditions
known as ‘hydroclimate whiplash.’
Hydroclimate Whiplash and Global Climatic Patterns
Disruption of Weather Cycles: Hydroclimate whiplash leads to erratic precipitation patterns,
causing unseasonal and unpredictable weather.
Wet periods promote excessive vegetation growth. Sudden droughts dry out the
vegetation, creating fuel for wildfires.
Climate Amplification: Warmer global temperatures enhance evaporation rates, intensifying.
Factors Behind Hydroclimate Whiplash

Hydroclimate whiplash is driven by both natural and human-induced factors.
Variations in atmospheric circulation, such as changes in jet streams and ocean currents
like ENSO, and topography that traps moisture can lead to extreme precipitation and dry
spells.
Human activities, including global warming from greenhouse gas emissions and land-use
changes like urbanization and deforestation, exacerbate these fluctuations by disrupting