Global Warming May Be Affecting Storms

Climate change could be altering lightning patterns across Europe, according to a new study. This could lead to more lightning over mountains and in Northern Europe and less lightning over central Europe. The change in weather patterns could include more frequent storms with more energy and more lightning at high altitudes. These changes could lead to an increased risk of wildfires over the mountains and in Northern Europe. The researchers however also predict that Europe will see less lightning locally, due to less cloud ice and frozen particles in storm clouds. These findings highlight the need to re-evaluate lightning risk to wildfires, properties, and human life across Europe. "This is just more bad news for critical national infrastructure in northern Europe," said Professor Hayley Fowler, Professor of Climate Change Impacts, Newcastle University School of Engineering.