EARTHSKY - Many studies have demonstrated links between global warming and longer and more active fire seasons. But a team of researchers from the University of California, Riverside, looked at a kind of reverse: how wildfires can influence local weather. On June 18, 2024, the researchers said large fires create hotter and drier weather than usual, resulting in a vicious loop of conditions favorable to more fire. Lead author James Gomez said:
It appears these fires are creating their own fire weather.
The researchers published their study in the peer-reviewed journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics on June 14, 2024.