Wildfires can generate tornadoes, lightning and other extreme weather, sometimes miles from the flames

We often think about weather controlling wildfires: dry air, heat, wind and lightning help determine when fires start and how quickly they spread. As the plume rises, the water vapor cools and condenses into tiny cloud droplets, forming a cloud directly above the fire. Smoke can change weather downwindWildfire smoke can also affect weather far from the flames. As a result, the same amount of water is divided among many more cloud droplets, making each droplet smaller. Scientists have also found that wildfire smoke can alter lightning patterns in downwind thunderstorms.