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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

- More than 2 years ago

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