Katabatic winds fan California’s wildfires | USA News

Wildfires are a fact of life in California. At the end of a long, hot, dry summer, vegetation is tinder dry. Thunderstorms, camp fires and arson all contribute to the starting of fires across the state. But the worst of these fires usually occur in September and October as this is the time of year when strong winds are most likely. These winds are known as katabatic winds. Katabatic derives from