This time of year always brings wildfires. But what’s unusual this fires season is where and how the blazes are burning—and it could be a warning sign of what’s to come.
Hotter-than-normal temperatures and drought across much of northern Europe and North America in June and July have resulted in wildfires burning in what are typically wetter, cooler regions.
Are Today’s Fires a Sign of What’s to Come?
With a warming climate, some places will become wetter while others will become drier, and every degree of warming increases the probability of extreme events. Climate change is also predicted to increase the likelihood of lightning-ignited wildfires.
