Thunderstorms Bring Hope of Rain, but Also Lightning, for Alberta’s Wildfires

The Chuckegg Creek fire is seen from the air in a Government of Alberta handout photo taken near the town of High Level, AB. on May 19, 2019. Ho/The Canadian Press

Crews battling Alberta wildfires that have forced thousands of people from their homes and put others on evacuation notice faced another challenge Saturday—thunderstorms.

While such storms bring the promise of rain, they also produce lightning, which can spark new fires and strong winds to fan the flames.