Milky sky over Nuremberg: smoke from Canadian forest fires!
Milky sky over Nuremberg: smoke from Canadian forest fires!
A milky-gray veil has laid over the sky in Nuremberg and reminds people of spring days, on which the sky was unclouded blue. But the cause of the unusual weather phenomenon is anything but harmless: smoke from the devastating that rage since mid -May. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), this effect can be felt in large parts of southern Germany, whereby Nuremberg is more affected than, for example, Munich.
The forest fires are not a new phenomenon, but this year they have achieved a worrying dimension. In Canada, the fire are so stubborn that they are known as "zombie fires". These fires, which smell under the snow cover, also burn in winter and could become even more dangerous this season according to Experts . Record numbers were particularly documented in British Columbia; So 106 active zombie fires were registered in January-a maximum.
climatic influences and health risks
These extraordinary forest fires are favored by the continuing drought conditions of recent years. Experts warn that the 2023 forest fire season was one of the most deadliest in the history of Canada, with several firefighters who lost their lives during their missions. The enormous space losses are always terrifying: over 18 million hectares of land burned down in the past year alone, and the effects can also be clearly felt in Germany. In 2023, over 1,200 hectares were destroyed by fires in Germany, and last year over 3,000 hectares-the highest value in the past 30 years, as Statista
The health effects of such clouds of smoke should not be underestimated. Fine dust that is released by the fires can have serious consequences for the respiratory tract and general health. It is not yet clear when the situation relaxes, because the DWD estimates that the clouds of smoke could continue to stop as long as the fires in North America rage and the weather conditions allow this.
The future of the risk of forest fire
The increasing spread and intensity of forest fires is not only a problem for Canada, but also for the rest of the world. The global warming and the long dry periods caused promote these dangerous fire worldwide. The current climate conditions indicate an active forest fire season, especially with the upcoming El Niño, which could bring additional risks in 2024.
In summary, it can be said that the milky-gray sky over Nuremberg gives us an important lesson: it is time to think about our environment and to ensure the necessary protection for our forests and the habitats. This is the only way we can prevent such sightings of a shabby sky become a new normality.| Details | |
|---|---|
| Ort | Nürnberg, Deutschland |
| Quellen | |