An incendiary form of lightning may surge under climate change

Warming temperatures could drive up the rate of flashes, increasing the risk for more wildfires

image of a lightning strike above a wildfire in Wenatchee, Washington

Among all the forces of nature, lightning is the most prolific fire starter, capable of sparking blazes that can threaten communities, like this one in Wenatchee, Wash. If Earth’s temperature continues to rise, there may be more incendiary flashes by the end of the century.

Frank Cone/Pexels

A form of lightning with a knack for sparking wildfires may surge under climate change.