Wind Conditions Wind is a critical driver of wildfire behavior because it can increase fire spread, carry embers ahead of the fire, and make suppression efforts more difficult. (Click this image to learn more.)
After identifying a high-risk forecast period, analysts begin evaluating the weather conditions that influence wildfire behavior. Weather plays a major role in how quickly fires can start, spread, and intensify. (Click this image to learn more.)
In the forecast example:
- Some areas show 30–40 mph wind speeds
- Wind conditions can be animated hour-by-hour to observe how they change throughout the day
- This helps analysts determine when the strongest winds are expected
In this scenario, January 8 shows very strong wind conditions across Southern California, which significantly increases the potential for rapid fire growth and more extreme fire behavior.
Step 2: Evaluate Key Weather Conditions
Andrew Black
Created on March 10, 2026
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Transcript
Wind Conditions Wind is a critical driver of wildfire behavior because it can increase fire spread, carry embers ahead of the fire, and make suppression efforts more difficult. (Click this image to learn more.)
After identifying a high-risk forecast period, analysts begin evaluating the weather conditions that influence wildfire behavior. Weather plays a major role in how quickly fires can start, spread, and intensify. (Click this image to learn more.)
In the forecast example:
- This helps analysts determine when the strongest winds are expected
In this scenario, January 8 shows very strong wind conditions across Southern California, which significantly increases the potential for rapid fire growth and more extreme fire behavior.