Pyrocumulonimbus

Unprecedented weather in Europe is feeding unprecedented wildfires… which are feeding (more) unprecedented weather.

The largest wildfires ever recorded in France and Spain (see maps), fueled by weeks of back-to-back heat waves and drought, are resisting relentless efforts by 4,000+ firefighters. Temperatures will keep climbing this week, with no rain expected. The fire is also making its own weather…

France’s Gironde blaze built a massive black “fire cloud” (pyrocumulonimbus), a thunderstorm created by extreme fire conditions whose wind and lightning further feed flames (read our explainer here).

Meanwhile in southwest Japan, first responders are racing to extinguish fires and rescue trapped people after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck yesterday, killing at least three and trapping several inside a partially collapsed shopping mall.

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PRAY WITH US
Heavenly Father whose son carried our sorrows, thank You for all those who voluntarily, boldly enter into trauma to lift its burden from their neighbors. Savior who came to serve and not be served, thank You for those who serve and protect at great personal cost. Lifegiving Spirit, guard these guardians, giving them diligence and courage for moments both mundane and heroic. Heal traumatized minds, give rest to tired bodies, and root Your peace in shaken souls.

God our Protector, thank You for raising up ordinary people to stand bravely between the vulnerable and harm. We long for the day when disaster no longer pursues, and there will be no threats left because You’ve destroyed every last enemy. We wait for that day with gratitude for our earthly protectors.

We’re covering extreme weather tomorrow at a 7th-grade reading level with biblical reflection and action steps in Decaf: The Pour Over for Families. Sign up free to get it in your inbox.