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Washington sees third-driest January, spelling potential danger for wildfires
This January is one of the driest on record in Washington, and experts explain what the impacts of the lack of precipitation could mean for the upcoming fire season.
SEATTLE - This January is one of the driest on record in Washington, and experts explain what the impacts of the lack of precipitation could mean for the upcoming fire season.
On Tuesday, two fires in San Diego led to mandatory evacuations. The Los Angeles fires are still not fully contained.
Wildfires are a yearly concern for our area.
According to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, 2021 was a record-breaking year for fires. DNR reports nearly 680,000 acres were destroyed due to fires.
By the numbers:
So far in January, data shows about 1.04 inches of rainfall. The average for January is usually around 6 inches.
"If we see this particular trend continue, which I don’t expect it to, but if we see it continue, then we’re probably in some trouble when it comes to water supply and when it comes to just wildfire season, all that stuff in the summer months," said FOX 13 Seattle Chief Meteorologist Brian MacMillan.
MacMillan said he does not expect much more rainfall this month. However, he said the area got a good amount of rain and a great amount of snow during December.
"What’s going to be really important here is as we get into February and March. We are going to need those snowstorms up in the mountains. We are going to need the rain here in the lowlands. So, hopefully we can play catch up over the next couple of months," said MacMillan.
This is the driest January the region has seen in about four decades, but experts do not expect that it will have an impact on our upcoming fire season.
The Source: Information comes from the Department of Natural Resources, FOX 13 Seattle Chief Meteorologist Brian MacMillan, and original reporting from AJ Janavel.
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