4 ways wildfires generate tornadoes, lightning and other extreme weather, sometimes miles from the flames

An atmospheric scientist explains the mechanics behind 4 types of extreme weather fueled by the smoke and the heat of wildfires.

By: Yunyao Li, University of Texas at Arlington, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: July 30, 2026

Words: 946

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 6 days ago

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By Yunyao Li, University of Texas at Arlington

Thick smoke from massive wildfires has been spreading in North America and Europe once again in 2026. The health impacts of breathing this particle-filled air are becoming well known, but wildfires’ influence on the weather is less widely recognized.

We often think about weather controlling wildfires: Dry air, heat, wind and lightning determine when fires start and how quickly they spread. However, once …

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