2024-08-13
- Pyrocumulonimbus clouds occur only when there is an extremely hot wildfire — volcanic eruptions can also lead to the formation of pyrocumulonimbus clouds.
- The intense heat from the fire warms the surrounding air which moves upward into the atmosphere.
- As this hot and very buoyant air — carrying water vapour, smoke, and ash — rises, it expands and cools down. Once it is cool enough, water vapour condenses on ash, forming a grey or brown cloud.
- If there is sufficient water vapour available and the upward movement of hot air intensifies, pyrocumulus clouds can evolve into a pyrocumulonimbus cloud.
- These clouds can reach heights of 50,000 feet and generate their own systems of thunderstorms.
- Although pyrocumulonimbus clouds can produce lighting, they do not generate much rain.
- Scientists believe that climate change could have a role to play in the increase of their frequency.
