Bigger, Wilder, More Destructive: How Cold Fronts Affected the Black Summer Bushfires

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Cold fronts play a role in making bushfires drastically worse – posing a serious concern for future bushfire events.

Cold fronts play a role in making bushfires drastically worse – posing a serious concern for future bushfire events.

UNSW Canberra Professor of Bushfire Dynamics Jason Sharples says that while the relationship between bushfires and cold fronts may seem counterintuitive, it is important to understand the implications for future fire seasons.

“People often associate cold fronts with cooler temperatures and rain, so you might not think that would exacerbate bushfires,” Prof. Sharples says.

“But before a cold front passes over southeast Australia it will typically draw hot and dry northwesterly winds from Central Australia to the region. This can dry out fuels and lead to more dangerous fire weather.”

Read more at University of New South Wales

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