Wildfire season could ramp up as drought covers over 40% of the US; plus, 8 backcountry skiers killed after California avalanche
Wildfire season could ramp up as drought covers over 40% of the US; plus, 8 backcountry skiers killed after California avalanche  
Podcast: AccuWeather Daily
Published On: Thu Feb 19 2026
Description: The spring weather pattern is lining up to dry fuels faster than usual in key areas, causing the wildfire risk to escalate early. Here’s where the risk is highest and what could make it spike. Also, eight of nine skiers buried in an avalanche near Lake Tahoe in northern California’s Sierra Nevada mountains amid heavy snow and “extreme weather conditions” have died, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices