Fire Clouds (Pyrocumulonimbus)

  • Pyrocumulonimbus (PyroCb), commonly called fire clouds, are massive thunderstorm clouds generated by intense wildfires.
  • They form when extreme heat from a large wildfire causes hot air, smoke and moisture to rise rapidly. As the plume rises and cools, moisture condenses to form a cloud.
  • Powerful PyroCb clouds can rise to 10–15 km and may penetrate the stratosphere, making them among the most extreme weather phenomena associated with wildfires.
  • PyroCb clouds can generate strong winds and lightning. These winds can rapidly spread the existing wildfire, while lightning may ignite new fires farther away.
  • The formation of a PyroCb can make wildfire ....
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