Active 2022 Wildfire Season Amidst Worsening Drought Conditions

The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) recently issued the National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook for May–August 2022. The report predicts “above normal significant fire potential” in most of the Southwest, across northern California, in western Colorado, and in western Florida from May to June.

Fire season arrived earlier than usual this year, with fires blazing throughout much of April. “This is not that typical for this early in the season,” said Chuck Jones, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service. “In fact, it’s potentially record-breaking in terms of the number of critical fire weather days we’ve seen in April and May.” Experts cite severe drought conditions coupled with strong winds and high temperatures as some of the factors contributing to the already active fire season. Indeed, last week, the U.S. Drought Monitor declared 98 percent of the Southwest was experiencing a drought. Furthermore, additional predictions indicate a likely active fire season. The NIFC predicts below normal precipitation across much of the Plains west through the central Rockies to the Northwest, with above normal temperatures likely across much of the contiguous U.S. through spring into summer. Finally, windy and dry periods are likely to continue through June for the Southwest and central and southern High Plains. Access the NIFC Wildfire Outlook here or read more at the Washington Post.