News Earth

Clouds affected by wildfire smoke may produce less rain

Water droplets were, on average, half the size of those generated by unaffected clouds

clouds in sky filled with smoke

A lightning strike in Washington state’s Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest caused the 2018 Cougar Creek wildfire, which sent smoke billowing into the clouds above (shown). These smoke-filled clouds may produce less rain, a study suggests.

Emily V. Fischer

By Rachel Crowell

When smoke rises from wildfires in the western United States, it pummels clouds with tiny airborne particles.