Santa Ana winds

On one hand, most scientists agree that “the extremity and magnitude of extreme weather events has been trending upwards over the past 60 years,” says John Plavan, CEO of Earth Risk Technologies, a San Diego firm that models weather-related risks for energy clients. Yet the same climate changes that are driving certain extreme weather events will also soften others, says David Easterling of the National Climatic Data Center, a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Asheville, N.C. The Santa Ana winds could be an example of that. UGG Classic Short The annual winds that sweep through southern California from November through April are caused by high-pressure systems sweeping cool air from the Great Basin southwest into the Los Angeles Basin. As the winds descend the San Gabriel Mountains, they heat rapidly, resulting in the hot, strong winds. But as climate changes raise temperatures in the Great Basin, the engine driving the Santa Anas could dissipate, “leading to less extreme Santa Anas in the future.” In another 25 to 50 years, those winds will significantly decline, says Dr. Easterling. But he is quick to point out that other extreme events tied to climate change – such as heat waves and precipitation – will accelerate. “If you are in a flood-plain area, more insurance down the line might not be a bad idea,” he adds.