A study published Thursday has put the blame for the wildfires ravaging parts of Los Angeles on an emerging climate phenomenon: hydroclimate whiplash. This latest disaster comes on the heels of years of unprecedented weather swings, where periods of above-average rainfall are followed by extensive droughts.

The National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration announced this week La Niña has arrived. This usually means the northern parts of California and the U.S. see more rainfalls where as Southern California sees less rain.

It is just the start of 2025, but the U.S. is already seeing extreme weather across the country, from the wildfires raging in southern California to the uncharacteristically heavy snow in the Southeast and it seems that the return of La Niña may be responsible for some of it.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — La Niña conditions are finally present after a prolonged delay, according to the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center. But just what role does this weather event play in New York meteorological conditions?