2025 could be an unprecedented year for wildfires, meteorologists warn. A forecast from AccuWeather says “wildfires are expected to scorch more land” this year compared to the U.S. historical average of 7 million acres. Heat, drought, wind, lightning, and low humidity can ignite fires—however, 90 percent of U.S. wildfires are human-caused.
“We’ve seen fires reported across 20 states that have already burned nearly 1 million acres so far this year,” said Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather lead long-range expert, in a report shared with Best Life. “The firestorm that ripped through Southern California in early January caused catastrophic damage and heartbreaking loss. Families and businesses need to prepare for yet another active year of wildfires in America.”
This year, AccuWeather predicts wildfires will burn 9 million acres of land across the country. Keep reading to learn when your region might be affected.
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Spring 2025 Wildfire Fisk: The Plains, Southwest, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Florida
Typically, wildfires rank low on the list of potential weather-related disasters for spring. However, Pastelok says that drought conditions in the southern Plains and interior Southwest remain “deeply entrenched.” These regions could see an increased number of high-risk wildfire days, especially if the winds pick up. Dry thunderstorms and lightning also pose a significant threat.
“Roughly half of the country is dealing with abnormally dry or drought conditions right now. Nearly nine percent of the nation is in an extreme or exceptional drought, significantly higher than at this time last year,” he notes. “This is a concerning situation.”
The mid-Atlantic and Northeast are experiencing an unusually long winter. Contrary to popular belief, the dry air and wind associated with cold fronts can actually instigate wildfires. This week, a wildfire broke out in New Jersey, burning 13,250 acres and affecting more than 1,000 structures, including a main highway.
“Until things really green up completely, we still have a fire risk in this region,” Pastelok cautions.
A lack of rainfall in Florida could prompt more fires this spring, per the AccuWeather report. Additionally, areas impacted by Hurricane Helene, including the Carolinas, face increased fire risk due to vegetation destruction.
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Summer 2025 Wildfire Risk: Northwest, Southwest, Southeast, and Rockies
As dry, hot weather settles in for the summer season, the Northwest, northern Rockies, Southwest, and South Central states should brace for a “surge in wildfire activity,” warns the AccuWeather report.
“While the season may start slowly, there is strong potential for rapid escalation as drought conditions and heat set in,” Pastelok says. “This is the time of year when grasses, brush and other vegetation really start to dry out as trigger mechanisms kick in, like lightning and wind.”
Meteorologists are keeping a watchful eye on areas east of the Cascade Mountain Range through the northern Rockies in the event of a lightning storm. Monsoon conditions could spark fires in the Southwest and parts of California and Wyoming this summer. However, these weather patterns are nuanced, according to AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham.
“As summer progresses, repeated rounds of monsoon rains and elevated humidity should help suppress wildfire development in impacted areas, particularly in Arizona, western New Mexico and southern Utah,” Buckingham explains. “The fire risk with the monsoon is along the outer rim, where dry thunderstorms can ignite fires and wind can quickly spread the flames. That outer rim typically includes parts of northern Nevada, western Arizona, eastern California and parts of Wyoming and Colorado.”
Unfortunately, the Southeast could experience wildfires this summer as well. “Dry stretches with below-normal thunderstorm activity can lead to temporary flare-ups, especially in the Carolinas, parts of Georgia, Florida and the Gulf Coast,” Buckingham adds.
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Fall 2025 Wildfire Fisk: More than 30 states are in danger.
AccuWeather experts suspect that more than 30 states across the country will be confronted by a moderate, high, or very high risk of wildfires this fall season. Areas of central and northern California, southern/central/eastern Oregon, and western Idaho will face the brunt of it, per the forecast report.
“There was plenty of rain and snow across Northern California this winter. All of that moisture has supported a lot of lush vegetation growth this spring. That grass and brush will dry out and become potential fuel for wildfires this fall,” explains Pastelok.
“Any trigger mechanism like lightning, strong winds that can bring down power lines or a spark from human activity could cause big wildfire problems this fall. It’s crucial that people take the time to clear vegetation and create defensible spaces around homes and businesses in fire-prone areas to reduce the risk,” he warns.
Content shared from bestlifeonline.com.