The autumn season is a month known for its pleasant weather, making it a popular time for family holidays. As Autumn begins, most places in the world experience pleasant autumn weather.

However, California is an exception. Despite the arrival of autumn, CAutumnnia continues to experience hot temperatures like those of summer, which is quite unusual.

By analysing California’s climate, geography, and atmospheric conditions, we can better understand why the heat wave persists into the fall months. Let’s discuss why this is the case.

1. Geographical Location and Climate of California

California is known for its geographical diversity, with a range of landscapes, including mountains, coastlines, deserts, and valleys. It is the third largest state on the western coast of the U.S. Its Pacific coastline stretches over 800 miles and has a Mediterranean climate. The mountain range on the eastern edge is called Sierra Nevada, home to the nation’s tallest peak, Mount Whitney.

California is also a significant contributor to the nation’s crop production due to the fertile soil in the Central Valley, located between the Coastal Region and Sierra Nevada. The Mojave Desert and the Great Basin Desert are situated on California’s south and east sides, respectively, and experience extreme temperatures with very little vegetation.

In the northern part of the state, the Cascade Range is present, with two volcanoes – Mount Shasta and Lassen Peak. Like the coastal area, the Central Coast region has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.

2. Climate Change

Climate change has had a terrible impact on our environment. The earth’s temperature has increased significantly, and the summer season has become longer than the other seasons. Due to this, hot winds and forest fires have become common.

The situation is similar in California. According to CAL Fire reports, there were 7,123 forest fires in 2023 and 162 in 2024. Because of these forest fires, 3,24,917 acres of land were burned in 2023, and 144 acres of land burned in 2024. Four people lost their lives in 2023 because of these forest fires.

Water scarcity has become a significant issue due to changes in precipitation patterns. This has made it difficult to obtain water for agriculture and drinking purposes, resulting in drought-like conditions.

The melting of ice patches in the Sierra Nevada has led to rising sea levels, causing disasters such as floods. California has become a hotspot for floods and landslides.

3. Pacific Ocean Influence

The Pacific Ocean dramatically influences the state of California on its west, particularly its climate. The California Current, a cold current that flows from the north towards the south of the state’s coast, keeps the coastal areas cool.

The coast is more relaxed in summer than inland areas, while it is relatively warmer in winter.

Due to these ocean currents, the weather in the coastal areas remains pleasant, creating what is known as a ‘Maritime Climate‘ with high humidity.

During summers, a fog called the ‘Marine Layer‘ forms along the coastline, formed by the combination of cool, humid air from the ocean and warm air over the land.

Two weather phenomena affect the climate, namely EL-NINA and LA-NINA. EL-NINA occurs when the sea surface temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean is warmer than average, leading to higher rainfall in California.

LA-NINA, on the other hand, happens when the sea surface temperature is more excellent than average, which can result in drought-like conditions.

4. Santa Ana Winds

The Santa Ana Winds are a powerful wind system that affects most of Southern California and is the biggest reason for forest fires and heat waves.

According to Rancho Santiago Community College District, these winds can reach 40-70 miles per hour and, in the worst-case scenario, up to 100 miles per hour. They usually occur between October and March, during the winter and autumn. The winds are generally less humid and last for a few days.

The dryness and strong winds increase the risk of forest fires, making them more likely to spread. These winds can also cause damage to buildings and trees and affect air quality. It’s essential to be aware of these winds and take necessary precautions to reduce the risk of fires and other damage.

Santa Ana winds are a significant factor in determining the weather conditions in Southern California. These winds are crucial for the survival of different types of vegetation that have adapted to dry environments, such as coastal sage scrub and chaparral. These plants have become accustomed to frequent droughts, and the Santa Ana winds are vital to their survival.

5. High Pressure Systems

As air moves downwards towards the surface, it gets compressed and heated, leading to a stable atmosphere with clear skies. This phenomenon is associated with high-pressure systems, also called ridges or anticyclones.

The downward motion of air in high-pressure systems creates a calm environment, preventing hot air from rising and forming clouds. This absence of clouds causes drought-like conditions with little or no rainfall.

Although high-pressure systems create stable weather patterns, there can be minor fluctuations in temperature and weather throughout the day. If the system remains permanent, it creates a dry environment.

Hot air traps cold air, creating Fog or haze, especially in coastal areas or valleys. During summer, high-pressure systems can generate heat waves that increase the risk of forest fires.

In California, High-Pressure Systems play a vital role in shaping the state’s weather.

6. Conclusion

Various factors, such as geographical location, climate, climate change, Pacific Ocean influence, Santa Ana Winds, and high-pressure systems, have led to continuous heat in the Autumn. These factors have caused a shift in California’s weather pattern, resulting in an extended summer. If this continues, it will severely impact public health, forests, water reservoirs, and the ecosystem.

To some extent, we are the cause of this climate change, but we can still take corrective action by improving our habits and caring for nature. We can reduce changes in the weather by conserving water, protecting forests, and preserving the animals living in them. We must come together and take collective action to save the environment. A global approach is mandatory to manage and continuously monitor climate change to prevent further harm.

Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Khushahal Malakar