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The worst wildfire in Texas’ history has a complex link with climate change

March 5, 2024

Texas generally receives more rainfall in the summer, the warmest part of the year, and it is dry but cold in winter and spring. “In other words, key factors for fires do not line up perfectly: it’s cold when it’s dry but wet when it’s warm,” says Flavio Lehner, assistant professor of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. Except, for this year.