If you’ve noticed those strong Santa Ana winds lately, you’re not imagining things. According to María Tereza Cavazos Pérez, a researcher from Cicese’s Department of Physical Oceanography, these conditions are typical during a La Niña event—but this year, they come with an added danger. A dry winter and intense winds are creating a perfect storm for wildfires in Baja California.
La Niña, which can last over a year, took its time arriving after being forecasted back in mid-2024. It’s now firmly in place, and satellite imagery confirms that since early January, strong winds have been blowing from the continent toward the Pacific. This has created high-pressure conditions, sunny skies, and those infamous Santa Ana winds sweeping through California and northern Baja.
The outlook? Dry weather is expected to stick around until at least the end of January, with little rain on the horizon. This dryness, coupled with strong winds, means an increased risk of wildfires. Recent blazes in Maneadero, Ojos Negros, Valle de la Trinidad, El Tigre, and Tecate highlight the danger. In fact, Baja California’s border region is considered a wildfire hotspot, especially under these conditions.
Dr. Cavazos warns that fires in Baja could be as catastrophic as those seen in Los Angeles, where even with advanced resources and technologies, controlling wildfires has been a massive challenge. “If they can’t manage it, what can we do?” she asks. She stresses the need for heightened awareness and preventative actions: no flicking cigarette butts, no burning trash, and definitely no campfires.
Globally, the risk of extreme weather events is rising due to climate change and phenomena like La Niña. The dry conditions in Baja California are a stark reminder that these aren’t isolated issues—they’re part of a larger trend that demands attention.
So, stay vigilant, Baja. It’s fire season, and every small action counts in preventing disaster. Let’s keep those winds blowing, but without the flames.
