… By this time of year, Southern California has usually recorded some measurable rainfall. Santa Ana winds, meanwhile, are typically dying down. But this December, neither is the case. Precipitation remains well below average, which has kept vegetation bone-dry, and forecasters say powerful offshore winds could pick back up in the next few days. It’s a recipe that’s likely to keep the threat of wildfires elevated even into January if conditions don’t change. … There’s also still a tilt toward a La Niña pattern this winter, which favors drier conditions in Southern California and is often associated with drought, although it hasn’t formally developed. … That quick swing from fire concerns to water worries has become the increasing challenge of climate change and a warming atmosphere, which provides more energy to power both dry conditions and heavy rains, [State Climatologist Michael] Anderson said. 

Other wildfire articles:

• High Country News: Wildfire … in December?
• Los Angeles Times: Cooler weather, gentler winds help crews get a handle on Franklin fire