Earth from Orbit: Wildfires Spawn Severe Weather

Earth from Orbit: Wildfires Spawn Severe Weather #Earth #Wildfire #Space

Wildfires continue to rage in the western U.S. Some of the most intense fires have generated their own weather, with thunderstorms, lightning, and even a confirmed tornado.

As a fire burns, it generates a large amount of heat, which causes air and moisture to rise, along with smoke and ash. When it reaches the upper atmosphere, it often cools and condenses to form what are known as pyrocumulus or “fire clouds” over the blaze. Some of the moisture is already present in the atmosphere, while some of it also evaporates from burning plants fueling the fire below. If the fire is large enough, the intense heating can generate a smoke-infused thunderstorm, or pyrocumulonimbus cloud, also known as pyroCb.

PyroCb clouds can produce lightning, which can set off even more fires. They also generate stronger winds, which fan the fire, making it hotter and helping it spread. In some cases, the air may rise so fast that it creates a tornado. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsMyw3ldesI