(NAFB) – Drought conditions are good reason for concern about the upcoming wildfire season in the West, but this is more likely related the La Nina year we’re having than anything related to climate change or global warming.

That’s according to University of Washington Atmospheric Sciences professor Cliff Mass, who says, right now, there is no reason to panic.

He explains why the drought is occurring.

And, Mass says things are more La Nina-related than signs of global warming.

Even last year, Mass says the wildfires didn’t become bad until late summer when the easterly winds kicked up.