Historically dry conditions and drought in the mid-Atlantic and Northeastern part of the United States are a key factor in the string of wildfires the region has faced in the past weeks, with officials issuing red flag warnings across the Northeast. On the West Coast, California is battling multiple wildfires, where dry conditions and wind have caused explosive fires that have burned more than 200 homes and businesses. It’s not possible to say that climate change caused the fires, but the extreme conditions fueling the fires have strong connections to the effects of climate change, according to David Robinson, the New Jersey state climatologist at Rutgers University.

Other drought, climate change and wildfire articles:

• Inside Climate News: In a parched US, human-triggered wildfires are poised to thrive
• Gothamist: ‘Are we becoming Los Angeles now?’ What New Yorkers can learn about living in a drought watch.
• Los Angeles Times: Solutions: As climate change worsens, so too will natural disasters. Here’s how to pay for them