Arctic Thunderstorms Increasing At ‘Drastic’ Rate, Scientists Concerned

Astonishing displays of lightning illuminated the high Arctic skies in 2021, presenting an extraordinary spectacle indicative of the pressing climate crisis. Surpassing their rarity of the past, the Earth’s northernmost territory experienced a staggering 7,278 lightning strikes last year – a count that nearly doubles the combined total of the preceding nine years.

Given that Arctic air traditionally lacks the convective heat necessary for generating lightning, this sharp increase, as revealed in Vaisala’s annual lightning report, raises significant concerns among experts. Vaisala’s Chris Vagasky remarks that while lightning counts north of the Arctic Circle remained fairly consistent over the past decade, the rapid escalation observed beyond the 80° latitude cannot be ignored.

There Were Over 7,278 Lightning Strikes in the High Arctic Last Year

As the Arctic experiences a triple-fold increase in temperature compared to the global average, observing lightning patterns has emerged as crucial in understanding the ramifications of climate change. Thunderstorms demand three factors: moisture, instability, and lift. The decline in sea ice facilitates water evaporation, while heightened temperatures and atmospheric instability generate favorable conditions for lightning.

By examining the modifications in Arctic lightning patterns, insightful conclusions can be drawn about atmospheric alterations stemming from climate fluctuations.

Intricate atmospheric connections reveal that fluctuations in the Arctic climate can significantly impact local weather patterns across the globe, asserts Vagasky. These changes could potentially result in extreme cold outbreaks, intensified heatwaves, or drastic shifts in precipitation levels in regions like Europe.

Additionally, the climate crisis is intensifying natural disasters, as evidenced by the devastating wildfires engulfing Europe and North America last summer. Surprisingly, lightning served as the catalyst for many of these incidents. Although lightning accounts for less than 15% of wildfires annually, they burn far more territory compared to human-induced fires. Swiftly identifying the conditions conducive to lightning-triggered wildfires is paramount for managing them effectively.

The Arctic’s lightning risk may be relatively small, but rising probabilities pose new threats to communities unfamiliar with frequent electrical storms. Individuals across open tundra and ocean settings, alongside critical infrastructure, find themselves increasingly susceptible to the dangers of these powerful bolts.

A surge in U.S. lightning incidents in 2021, second only to Brazil, underscores the scope of this phenomenon. Moreover, a 2014 study anticipates a 12% hike in lightning rates for each degree Celsius uptick in temperature, further highlighting the gravity of a seemingly electrifying situation.

Amidst the ever-transforming climate, the risk of wildfires sparked by lightning may escalate, asserts Vagasky. While it’s challenging for scientists to directly link a single lightning strike to climatic shifts, observing Arctic lightning patterns holds significant importance and demands continuous examination in the present and the years to come.