Analysis of Spatio-Temporal Variability of Lightning Activity and Wildfires in Western Siberia during 2016–2021

This research compares the spatial and temporal variability of lightning activity associated with wildfires in several natural geographical zones Western Siberia from 2016–2021. The study was based on World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) warm (April–October) season. It revealed that areas hotspots most often coincide southwestern part territory (near Khanty-Mansiysk Tyumen), mountain regions (Kuznetsk Alatau, Altai), northern Kazakhstan. Maximum values occur July whole Siberia, maximum April central southern Siberia. Despite largest number fires south territory, probability ignition over season is higher parts Siberia; it reaches up to 30%. Thus, lightning–fire association allows us better understand this process region will be useful prediction potential fire danger different zones.