Hydroclimate Pulses: Accelerating Threat Worldwide and Their Causes

California's Hydroclimate Changes and Fire Threats

California, has been facing major challenges in recent years due to climate change and hydro-climatic impacts. This situation causes serious problems affecting both natural life and human activities. Especially Los Angeles Fires occurring in the region are considered as a result of hydroclimate changes.

What are Hydroclimate Pulses?

Hydroclimate impactsThese pulses are defined as sudden transitions between heavy rain and dangerously dry weather. These pulses, combined with heavy rainfall following prolonged periods of drought, can trigger landslides and other natural disasters. Recent events in California clearly illustrate the effects of such pulses.

Fire Danger in California

Record rainfall in the winter of 2022-2023 resulted in abundant grasses and shrubs in northern California. However, this situation turned dangerous in 2024 with record heat followed by a dry start to the rainy season in 2025. In the meantime, fire hazard has doubled. This is a result of both vegetation overgrowth and drought conditions combined with rising temperatures.

The Role of Climate Change

Global warming, is a major factor in the increase of hydroclimate pulses. According to studies, hydroclimate pulses have increased from 20% to 31% worldwide since the mid-66th century. This indicates a greater increase than climate models predict. In particular, these pulses are expected to double if pre-industrial temperatures rise by 3 degrees Celsius.

Atmosphere Sponge Effect

Atmosphere sponge, a structure with the capacity to absorb and release water vapor, is expanding with climate change. Every 1 degree Celsius temperature increase increases the sponge effect of the atmosphere by 7%. This causes faster transitions between drought and heavy rain.

Landslides and Fires

  • Landslides: Landslides on oversaturated slopes are a result of hydroclimatic pulses. This becomes particularly evident during periods of heavy rainfall.
  • Fire Threats: Dry vegetation prepares the ground for fire season. The risk of fires increases as this vegetation dries out and winds affect it.

Water Management and Future Planning

Water management, is critical to coping with hydroclimatic impacts. Traditional management methods should not address only extreme precipitation or drought. Instead, an approach that considers both situations should be adopted. The concept of “co-management” is very important in this regard. It offers a more holistic solution than considering drought and flood risks separately.

Future Strategies

In order for California to cope with climate change, innovative and sustainable strategies must be developed. Research emphasizes that global temperatures must be controlled to slow the increase of hydroclimate pulses. To this end, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources is important.

Last word

Hydroclimate shocks and climate change pose major threats to California and the world. Action is needed to protect both wildlife and human health. The challenges facing California have become a global problem, and global collaboration and awareness-raising efforts are therefore essential.