Climate scientist warns of longer droughts and more frequent lightning worldwide

Friday 14 August 2026 - 13:10

By: Azzat Manal

Climate scientist warns of longer droughts and more frequent lightning worldwide

Climate change is expected to intensify several forms of extreme weather, with longer periods of drought and more frequent lightning becoming growing challenges in different parts of the world, according to climate researchers.

Professor Lori Daniels of the University of British Columbia has warned that societies will increasingly need to adapt to harsher drought conditions and a greater risk of lightning as global temperatures continue to rise. The combination of extreme heat, limited rainfall and dry vegetation can create conditions that are particularly favourable for large and difficult-to-control wildfires.

North America has already experienced the effects of severe heat and wildfire activity. During periods of extreme temperatures, electricity networks can face additional pressure as demand for cooling increases, while widespread fires can send smoke across large distances and significantly reduce air quality.

The changing climate is also creating difficulties for agriculture. Higher temperatures and insufficient rainfall can place crops under considerable stress, forcing farmers to deal with increasingly unpredictable growing conditions. In the United States, concerns over weather conditions have contributed to adjustments in agricultural production forecasts, particularly for crops vulnerable to heat and drought.

Europe is facing similar concerns. Scientists have warned that prolonged heatwaves and dry conditions can increase wildfire risks across the continent. As the scale of fires grows, countries may also face greater pressure on emergency resources, including firefighting aircraft and personnel, making international cooperation increasingly important.

Experts have repeatedly pointed to the growing frequency and intensity of heat extremes as one of the consequences associated with global warming. While individual weather events have multiple contributing factors, a warmer climate can increase the likelihood of certain extreme conditions and make their impacts more severe.

The warnings highlight the importance of both reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and strengthening adaptation measures. Better water management, improved wildfire preparedness, resilient infrastructure and more effective early-warning systems could all help communities cope with a changing climate.