Around the world, dramatic swings between heavy rain and drought are increasing exponentially, according to new research.

The weather will once again turn against Los Angeles after a brief respite that allowed fire fighters to gain ground on blazes across the second-most populous US city and offered enough pause for officials to begin trading accusations.

There were too many houses to protect, and not enough engines,” one fire captain in Los Angeles said. Though fire officials say they were well-prepared and simply overwhelmed by the elements, questions are being raised about whether the intensity of modern fires requires a new playbook.