Downslope Windstorm Is Possible Cause Behind America's Deadliest Wildfire in Maui

Fuel TechHigh Tech / High Touch
Written By Jennifer Joslyn

The Lahaina Fire on Maui, responsible for the deadliest wildfire in American history, was fueled by a downslope windstorm, debunking earlier links to nearby Hurricane Dora. Laboratory models and simulations showed that the wildfire's devastation was caused by strong easterly trade winds intensified by a high-pressure system north of Hawaii, reaching hurricane force as they moved downhill. This meteorological phenomenon, combined with flammable fuels, strong winds, and an ignition source, created a recipe for destructive fires, similar to conditions often seen in California. The fire left 100 people dead, 271 structures damaged or destroyed, and nearly 6,200 people homeless, intensifying a housing crisis that officials are struggling to address.

Read more at Daily Mail UK >

Featured
Scorching Heat Wave Alert for Millions in the South and West
Scorching Heat Wave Alert for Millions in the South and West

Get ready for some serious heat!

Why Transforming the Sahara into a Solar Farm Isn't Ideal
Why Transforming the Sahara into a Solar Farm Isn't Ideal

Some have suggested that covering the Sahara Desert with solar panels could harness its abundant sunlight and provide a vast, sustainable energy source.

Panama Canal Is On the Road to Recovery After Dry Season
Panama Canal Is On the Road to Recovery After Dry Season

After a challenging six months marked by the driest October in 73 years, the Panama Canal is finally seeing a turnaround.

New Orleans Braces for an Intense Hurricane Season
New Orleans Braces for an Intense Hurricane Season

It looks like New Orleans and its surrounding areas might be in for a pretty intense hurricane season.

Germany's Public Transport Grinds to a Halt With Strikes and Climate Protests
Germany's Public Transport Grinds to a Halt With Strikes and Climate Protests

Public transport services in Germany came to a halt as strikes organized by the Verdi union over working hours swept across 14 states, including Berlin.

Climate-Induced Drought Disrupts Panama Canal, Sending Ripples Through Global Trade
Climate-Induced Drought Disrupts Panama Canal, Sending Ripples Through Global Trade

Climate change is causing a major headache for global trade as an unprecedented drought in the Panama Canal disrupts container traffic.

2023 on Track to Break Hottest Year Record, 2024 Could Follow
2023 on Track to Break Hottest Year Record, 2024 Could Follow

2023 is likely to become the hottest year on record, with a more than 99% chance of surpassing the previous record holder, 2016, according to climate scientists.

Downslope Windstorm Is Possible Cause Behind America's Deadliest Wildfire in Maui
Downslope Windstorm Is Possible Cause Behind America's Deadliest Wildfire in Maui

The Lahaina Fire on Maui, responsible for the deadliest wildfire in American history, was fueled by a downslope windstorm, debunking earlier links to nearby Hurricane Dora.

Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Plans Remain Elusive After Global Climate Agreement
Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Plans Remain Elusive After Global Climate Agreement

The recent U.N. agreement among nearly 200 countries to transition away from fossil fuels is being celebrated as a significant step in addressing climate change.

Paths to Decarbonize Key U.S. Economic Sectors Highlighted at COP28 as Global Fossil Fuel Transition Gains Momentum
Paths to Decarbonize Key U.S. Economic Sectors Highlighted at COP28 as Global Fossil Fuel Transition Gains Momentum

COP28 in Dubai marked a historic moment as nations committed to transitioning away from fossil fuels to combat climate change.

Greta Thunberg Slams COP 28 Climate Deal as Inadequate to Prevent 1.5°C Temperature Rise
Greta Thunberg Slams COP 28 Climate Deal as Inadequate to Prevent 1.5°C Temperature Rise

Greta Thunberg, the prominent climate activist, criticized the COP 28 climate deal reached in Dubai, stating that it is insufficient to prevent temperatures from rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius, which is considered a critical limit by scientists.

Strong Climate Denial Groups at UN Climate Talks Spark Concerns
Strong Climate Denial Groups at UN Climate Talks Spark Concerns

Over 160 industry groups, think tanks, and PR agencies with a history of climate denial have scored access to the UN climate talks in Dubai.

Controversial COP28 Climate Agreement Draft Omits Fossil Fuel Phase-Out, Drawing Criticism
Controversial COP28 Climate Agreement Draft Omits Fossil Fuel Phase-Out, Drawing Criticism

The latest draft of the COP28 climate agreement has removed the call to phase out fossil fuels, replacing it with a broader call for countries to reduce planet-warming pollution.

2010’s Hottest Decade on Record with Escalating Climate Change, WMO Report Reveals
2010’s Hottest Decade on Record with Escalating Climate Change, WMO Report Reveals

The decade from 2011 to 2020 was the hottest ever recorded for both land and oceans, with a significant increase in climate change, according to a report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released at COP28 in Dubai.

Tesla, GM, and Others Join Forces to Track Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions with Climate TRACE Database
Tesla, GM, and Others Join Forces to Track Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions with Climate TRACE Database

Tesla, GM, and other companies will use the Climate TRACE database from Al Gore's climate coalition, utilizing satellites and machine learning to monitor global greenhouse gas emissions.

Multiple Northwest Storms and Atmospheric Rivers Bring Heavy Rain and Snowfall, Pose Travel Hazards, and Offer Drought Relief
Multiple Northwest Storms and Atmospheric Rivers Bring Heavy Rain and Snowfall, Pose Travel Hazards, and Offer Drought Relief

Multiple storms are expected to hit the Northwest in the coming days due to atmospheric rivers, bringing heavy rain and significant snowfall.

UN Declares 2023 as Potentially Warmest Year on Record, Urges Climate Action at COP28
UN Declares 2023 as Potentially Warmest Year on Record, Urges Climate Action at COP28

The United Nations has declared that 2023 is on track to be the warmest year on record, with global temperatures rising 1.4 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels

UAE Denounces 'Fake News' Amid COP28 Climate Conference Host Role Controversy
UAE Denounces 'Fake News' Amid COP28 Climate Conference Host Role Controversy

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has denounced what it calls "fake news" aimed at undermining its role as the host of the COP28 climate conference, including false reports about the resignation of COP28 president-designate Sultan Al-Jaber from his position at the state oil giant ADNOC.

Photographer's Climate Awakening Spurn From Witnessing Massive Glacier Calving in Greenland
Photographer's Climate Awakening Spurn From Witnessing Massive Glacier Calving in Greenland

Photographer James Balog and his team, originally skeptical about climate change, witnessed an extraordinary event while filming in Greenland.

Oil Industry Flourishes Post-Paris Agreement Despite Climate Efforts
Oil Industry Flourishes Post-Paris Agreement Despite Climate Efforts

Eight years after the Paris Agreement, the oil industry is thriving, with rising profits and record production levels, especially in the United States.

U.S. and China Forge Renewable Energy Partnership to Tackle Global Warming
U.S. and China Forge Renewable Energy Partnership to Tackle Global Warming

The United States and China, the world's top two carbon emitters, have agreed to collaborate on addressing global warming by significantly increasing their investment in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

Fifth National Climate Assessment Reveals Urgent Concerns for the United States
Fifth National Climate Assessment Reveals Urgent Concerns for the United States

A recent federal report, the Fifth National Climate Assessment, warns that the impacts of rapid climate warming are being experienced across the United States and will worsen in the next decade if fossil fuel use continues.

Fossil Fuel Giants on Track to Double Production, Exceed Climate Thresholds, UN-Backed Report Warns
Fossil Fuel Giants on Track to Double Production, Exceed Climate Thresholds, UN-Backed Report Warns

A United Nations-backed report reveals that major fossil fuel-producing countries, including the United States, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, are on course to produce twice the amount of fossil fuels that exceed critical global warming thresholds by the end of this decade.

2023 Set to Break Records as Hottest Year Amidst Alarming Global Temperature Rise
2023 Set to Break Records as Hottest Year Amidst Alarming Global Temperature Rise

2023 is almost certain to become the hottest year on record due to an extraordinary run of global temperature records, according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).

Michigan House Passes Controversial Clean Energy Reforms Amid Climate Change Debate
Michigan House Passes Controversial Clean Energy Reforms Amid Climate Change Debate

The Michigan House has approved a set of reforms to combat climate change, which includes a requirement for utilities to rely entirely on clean energy sources by 2040.

UN Report Warns of Impending Global Tipping Points with Irreversible Consequences
UN Report Warns of Impending Global Tipping Points with Irreversible Consequences

A United Nations report highlights that humanity is approaching multiple critical "tipping points" that could result in irreversible ecological and institutional system disruptions.

Governor Newsom's China Visit Sparks Diplomatic Momentum on Climate and Key Issues
Governor Newsom's China Visit Sparks Diplomatic Momentum on Climate and Key Issues

California Governor Gavin Newsom discussed the need for specificity in addressing chemical issues with President Xi Jinping during his visit to China.

Hurricane Otis Transforms from Minor Threat to Catastrophic Monster in a Day
Hurricane Otis Transforms from Minor Threat to Catastrophic Monster in a Day

Hurricane Otis underwent an astonishing transformation from a minor threat to a catastrophic monster within a single day.

California Governor Gavin Newsom Forges Climate Cooperation in China Amidst Tensions
California Governor Gavin Newsom Forges Climate Cooperation in China Amidst Tensions

California Governor Gavin Newsom embarked on a week-long trip to China, emphasizing his state's commitment to climate issues regardless of the U.S. presidential election outcome.

Understanding Why Global Temperatures Are Breaking Records
Understanding Why Global Temperatures Are Breaking Records

Several factors contribute to the current record-breaking global temperatures.

Jennifer Joslyn
Previous

European Electric Vehicle Battery Supply Chain Faces Delays as Companies Prioritize US Market
Next

Concerns Mount as North Korea Suspected of Reactivating Nuclear Reactor