Comments on: Wondering about big ‘cloud’ in the east? Wildfire near Leavenworth

By: JayDee

JayDee — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 03:47:47 +0000

Met Patrick:
–
I am curious: the driest day of the year is 7/19 (i seem to recall). Looks like this could be in danger when we cool down tomorrow and the weekend. But next week looks anomalous: rain chance M/T? I think not but I cannot tell which model is the truth teller. I like my rain 10/15-2/15 and then showery…

By: MetPatrick

MetPatrick — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 01:57:37 +0000

This is in fact a ” Pyrocumulus ”

A Pyrocumulus cloud develops when you have VERY hot air in a single parcel is forced upward while on either side of the cloud you have cooler air that condenses and allows the cloud to develop. But like any updraft associated parcel of air there is a “Cap” and the cloud will rise until it hits the “Cap” and then flattens out.

Hope that helps folks

MetP

By: CM

CM — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 01:39:18 +0000

JayDee, you are correct. If it builds high enough it will become a pyrocumulonimbus. Either way, it doesn’t bode well for those on the ground, unless it generates some rain w/out lightning.

I saw it while walking the dog and just thought it was an impressive thunderhead.

By: JayDee

JayDee — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 01:19:18 +0000

We need Met Patrick for this one. I think it is a Pyrocumulus or Pyrocumulonimbus where the hot air from the fire generates the instability or uplift.

By: cmc

cmc — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 01:01:06 +0000

Over 2400acres burned so far raising rapidly