A Weather Warning that Saved Lives

Imagine getting an early warning about a massive wildfire, even before it starts! That’s what Edgar McGregor, a 24-year-old climate scientist, did for thousands of Californians. He runs a small Facebook page called Altadena Weather and Climate. On January 6, he predicted a powerful Santa Ana windstorm that could cause huge fires. He didn’t just warn people; he told them to prepare to evacuate. The next day, the Palisades Fire started, but many were ready thanks to Edgar’s warnings.

Edgar wasn’t expecting to be called a hero, but that’s what people are saying. He just did his job, he says. He had been tracking the weather since December and knew the conditions were similar to those in past deadly fires. He even warned people to keep their cars ready with important items. His daily hikes in Eaton Canyon showed him how much fuel the dead trees would make for a fire. Even though his house is still standing, many of his neighbors lost their homes. Edgar’s warnings gave them extra time to prepare. Now, he keeps updating thousands of Californians as four major fires burn through an area roughly three times the size of Manhattan. He says the immediate threat is over, but more windstorms and mudslides could happen. So, he warns that this isn’t over yet.

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