Surprising Weather Effects From Canada Wildfires Explained

Wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota is lowering Midwest air quality, with ash falling in some areas. The smoke and ash may influence weather, fuel storms, and rarely cause fire-generated tornadoes.

Wildfires in Canada and Minnesota

There are about 830 wildfires burning across Canada, with more than a dozen fires currently active in northern Minnesota. The fires have forced evacuations and are sending thick smoke and ash into the United States, creating unhealthy air quality for millions across the Upper Midwest and Northeast.

Fire crews continue working around the clock to contain the wildfires, but smoke and ash are still reaching Michigan. On Wednesday, ash fell so heavily across parts of the Upper Peninsula that it resembled a summer snowstorm. Some of that ash also drifted into the northern Lower Peninsula, reaching as far south as the Traverse City area.

The smoke will move south toward Michigan’s borders with Indiana and Ohio overnight and will be out of the West Michigan area in the early morning hours.

How Wildfire Ash in the Air Can Cause Thunderstorms

When a wildfire becomes intense enough, it can create its own weather, producing towering smoke clouds, thunderstorms, powerful winds, and, in rare cases, fire-generated tornadoes.

According to MLive, wildfire ash can help promote cloud and rain formation by providing tiny particles for water vapor to condense on. When combined with heat and unstable atmospheric conditions, the smoke and ash may contribute to the development of thunderstorms.

Raindrops need tiny particles, such as ash or dust, to form around for water vapor to condense onto ash particles in the atmosphere, the droplets can grow and eventually fall as rain. When rising air cools and combines with heat and instability from intense wildfires, it can help fuel thunderstorm development. To see the ash falling, watch the videos below.