Home
Weather London
WeatherRadar
RainfallRadar
TemperatureRadar
WindRadar
LightningRadar
Weather News
Editor's Pick
Discover the app
Weather widget
Contact us
Apps
Career
    Home / Editor's Pick /

    Forest fires spread in warming climate

21:00
23 February 2022

Around the world
Forest fires spread in warming climate

Forest fire
© picture alliance

Wildfires around the world are continuing to grow in number and frequency as drought and manmade influence grows.

Two reports, the first from the UN and a second led by the University of Colorado Boulder, combine for a grim view of the future of wildfires.

Over the next 28 years, the rate of fires is forecast to jump by 30%. This includes impacting new, previously untouched, regions such as the Arctic tundra.

Meanwhile, as climate change builds and night times warm there will be no break in conditions likely to lead to fires.

Previously, cooler night time temperatures had allowed for firefighters to tackle harsh flames. Researchers now say that night temperatures are rising at a faster rate than day time temperatures with a 36% rise in after-dark conditions warm enough to maintain wildfires.

Fighting wildfires is costly, both financially and in the number of emergency services needed. In the US, where much of the west coast has seen extensive fires amid severe drought, an estimated $3.1 billion was spent on tackling the issue in 2021.

Australia, Siberia, western America, and southern Europe have seen extensive wildfire damage in recent years, with extreme heatwaves contributing to the situation.

In their report, the UN say nations should prioritise prevention and preparedness resources by allocating 45% of total budgets towards the two. Followed by response resources, for example firefighters, and then recovery.

The report says that many countries currently prioritise the response resources without tackling the root of the cause.

Ryan Hathaway
More on the topic
A sudden change in weather for Europe. Thunderstorms & tornadoes. . . Thursday, 2 July 2026
Split image showing a dramatic supercell thunderstorm with a lowering cloud base over farmland on the left, and a Europe lightning map on the right with dense lightning strikes and a thunderstorm warning symbol across central and southeastern Europe.
Thursday, 2 July 2026

Thunderstorms & tornadoes

A sudden change in weather for Europe
June temperature record broken again. Three days running. . . Friday, 26 June 2026
Temperature map of eastern England showing extreme heat around Ipswich and nearby areas, with temperatures reaching 36°C near Cambridge and a large red thermometer icon highlighting intense heat.
Friday, 26 June 2026

Three days running

June temperature record broken again
Turbulent times as gusting winds spread. Scotland affected too. . . Tuesday, 30 June 2026
WindRadar over the Mediterranean, showing the Mistral in the west and the Bora in the east. Strong winds and high wind speeds along the French Mediterranean coast and the Adriatic coast.
Tuesday, 30 June 2026

Scotland affected too

Turbulent times as gusting winds spread
All weather news
This might also interest you
Seasonal warmth between spring thunder. Your weather - Your shots. . . Sunday, 19 April 2026
Split image showing coastal sunset with layered lenticular clouds over rooftops and palm trees on the left, and a green valley with river and hills under soft daylight on the right.
Sunday, 19 April 2026

Your weather - Your shots

Seasonal warmth between spring thunder
Storm Chandra makes impact. Severe gales & heavy rain. . . Tuesday, 27 January 2026
Split image showing strong winds over the UK on a forecast map and widespread rain and snow on a weather radar map.
Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Severe gales & heavy rain

Storm Chandra makes impact
Mixed conditions on an unsettled week. Your weather - Your shots. . . Sunday, 2 November 2025
plit image showing a double rainbow over a rocky shoreline on the left and sheep grazing in a green field under stormy clouds on the right.
Sunday, 2 November 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Mixed conditions on an unsettled week
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwittertikToklinkList