New study finds increasing hot weather and lightning could spark more fires.
New study finds increasing hot weather and lightning could spark more fires.
Lightning will ignite more wildfires in the western United States in the coming decades as temperatures increase due to climate change, according to a new study that combined predictions for fire-friendly and lightning-friendly weather conditions.
In the western United States, lightning is responsible for more than two-thirds of the area burned by wildfires, and that number is only going to grow. Starting as early as 2031-2060, the study found essentially all of the western United States, or 98%, will see an increase in days posing a risk for lightning– started wildfires.
Areas that are already at high risk for wildfires started by lightning, such as Oregon, Idaho and Montana, are expected to see the largest increase in overall lightning days, with up to 12 more days per summer by 2060. Some areas, particularly in the U.S. Southwest, like Arizona, are expected to see a smaller increase as they will simply see less lightning.
Read More: American Geophysical Union
Image: The Howe Ridge Fire seen from across Lake McDonald roughly 24 hours after the fire was started by a lightning strike. New study finds wildfires started by lightning will increase across 98% of western United States. (Credit: Glacier National Park Service)
