Thunderstorm in Repeat Succession

Observation by John Henry:

Having a thunderstorm within the community is unusual, let alone having it occur repeatedly within a short amount of time. This coincides with a post of seeing more cumulus activity. Today, I heard from a coworker there were at least three thunderstorm events within the hour, where one was extremely louder than the other two.

Rick Thoman, Climatologist with the Center for Climate Assessment and Policy, writes:

On July 15, the lightning detection network operated by the Alaska Fire Service recorded about 75 lightning strikes in the Nulato Hills, including several within a few miles Unalakleet. Winds aloft were very weak allowing the thunderstorm cell to persist in the same area for longer than is typical.

Comments from LEO Editors:

Unusually warm and dry summer conditions have increased the risk of wildfire started by lightening strike. As of July 15, 1,602,301 acres had burned as the result of lightening strike. For information on current conditions, the National Interagency Fire Center maintains a map of recent lightening strikes, and the Fire, Weather and Avalanche Center maintains a map of current fires. Informational updates can be found at the Alaska Wildland Fire Information webpage.

To report an Alaska wildland fire, call 1-800-237-3633