pyrocumulonimbus
/ˌpaɪroʊˌkjuːmjələˈnɪmbəs/
Definition
A dense, towering cloud formation produced by the intense heat of a wildfire that can generate its own weather, including lightning and fire-driven winds.
Etymology
The word is a compound derived from the Greek 'pyr' (fire) and the Latin 'cumulus' (heap) and 'nimbus' (rain storm). It combines these roots to describe a specific type of storm cloud generated by fire-induced thermal uplift.
In the news
In the article, the term is used to describe an extreme atmospheric phenomenon triggered by the intense heat of the Creek Fire, illustrating the severe and unpredictable nature of modern megafires. It serves as a visual indicator of the dangerous, climate-driven fire conditions discussed in the text.
Megafires, Land Use, and Climate Change
Read the full article ↗The Equation - Union of Concerned Scientists