NASA is studying pyrocumulonimbus clouds by plane
This summer, NASA is studying pyrocumulonimbus clouds, or fire-driven thunderstorms. Researchers are flying planes right into the smoke plumes for samples. The post NASA is studying pyrocumulonimbus clouds by plane first appeared on EarthSky .
NASA scientists are conducting a summer mission to study the formation and effects of pyrocumulonimbus clouds through aerial observation. These thunderstorms, triggered by intense wildfires, produce lightning, hail, heavy rain, and carry smoke up to the stratosphere. The lingering particles can impact climate for months or even years.
To gather data, NASA is deploying its ER-2 and NSF/NCAR Gulfstream V aircraft to sample smoke plumes from wildfires, such as the 2026 Widemouth 2 fire in Utah. Researchers will measure atmospheric conditions at altitudes typically inaccessible to forecasters, aiming to understand why certain fires trigger pyrocumulonimbus clouds and the role of vegetation in their formation.
Improved data could enhance wildfire forecasting, inform evacuation strategies, and mitigate the impacts of these extreme weather events.
Written by urgent.news from EarthSky's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
