Australian Fires - Jan 4, 2020 - PyroCumulonimbus (pyroCb) Outbreak

Hi-res satellite imagery of Australian fires from January 4, 2020. The colors indicate pixels whose Infrared brightness temperatures are colder than -30 degrees Celsius. The majority of those clouds in this case are associated with pyroconvection.

Under particular environmental conditions, the heat and moisture generated by bushfires can create clouds and even thunderstorms. The winds and lightning generated by these clouds can result in more dangerous bushfires on the ground. There were multiple thunderstorms, or pyroCb clouds associated with the Australia brushfires observed today. Many pyroCbs have been documented with these Australia fires over the last 3 months, including at least 4 on this date.

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