A terrifying hot weather phenomenon called a “heat dome” has gripped western Canada. The rising heat and smoke from these firestorms have resulted in a cloud formation called pyro-cumulonimbus or cumulonimbus flammagenitus. These menacing vertical clouds stir up wind and smoke and create their own weather. Not only do these clouds funnel smoke, but they also trap pollutants in the upper atmosphere. While 17 fire clouds were reported across US, Canada and Mexico in 2002, now around 25 form in western North America alone every year.

Source: dna July 05, 2021 11:26 UTC