Southern California's Line fire spawns pyrocumulus clouds, creating its own weather system amid a record-breaking heat wave. (NASA)
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A massive wildfire in Southern California is creating its own weather system, as reported by NASA’s Earth Observatory.
The Line fire, burning amid a record-breaking heat wave, has generated pyrocumulus clouds, also known as “fire clouds,” which are visible from space.
These unique cloud formations occur when intense heat from wildfires causes air to rise rapidly, condensing water vapor around smoke particles. The Landsat 8 satellite captured images of the pyrocumulus clouds forming above the Line fire, with shortwave-infrared light highlighting active fire areas.
As the day progressed, the pyrocumulus evolved into a pyrocumulonimbus, a full-fledged thunderstorm. KCAL News reported that this weather phenomenon produced rain, strong winds, lightning, and hail. The National Weather Service in San Diego noted that a similar cloud from the Line fire had generated over 3,700 lightning strikes on Sept. 7.
As of the afternoon of Sept. 10, the Line fire had burned more than 26,000 acres and threatened over 65,600 structures. Thousands of firefighters, supported by helicopters, dozers, and engines, are battling the blaze. Several communities, including Running Springs and Forrest Falls, have been evacuated.
The satellite images also revealed a faint line of pink fire retardant on the hills near Redlands, showcasing the efforts to contain the fire’s spread.
Read more at NASA Earth Observatory
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