Dry soils during the summer coupled with conditions suitable for fire are expected to be beneficial for open woodlands.

Open woodlands are similar to closed woodland systems, but receive more frequent fire and tend to be on flatter ridge-tops. Most of the species in open woodlands are highly tolerant of drought and fire, and may have reduced competition from more mesic, fire-intolerant species if fires and dry conditions increase. Projected early-season increases in precipitation that result in vegetation growth followed by summer drought may increase fire probability.