Changes in cloud formation may speed up global warming.
MIAMI – Data from about six decades showed the earth’s oceans hit the highest temperature in recorded human history last year, according to a study published on Monday in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
The penetration of heat into the deep oceans is evident primarily through the Atlantic Ocean, the group of 14 scientists from the U.S. and China reported. They also warned the warming could “impart a profound influence” on marine fisheries and ecosystems.
Recommended Videos
“The amount of heat we have put in the world’s oceans in the past 25 years equals to 3.6 billion Hiroshima atom bomb explosions,” wrote the study’s lead author, Lijing Cheng, of the Institute of Atmospheric Physics in Beijing.
Researchers also said the warming is one of the key reasons why the planet is experiencing increased catastrophic fires in the Amazon, California and Australia.
1 / 98
In this Dec. 31, 2019, photo provided by Siobhan Threlfall, fire and thick smoke remains the village of Nerrigundah, Australia. The tiny village has been among the hardest hit by Australia's devastating wildfires, with about two thirds of the homes destroyed and a 71-year-old man killed. (AP Photo/Siobhan Threlfall)CNNHelicopters are delivering thousands of pounds of carrots and sweet potatoes to the endangered wallabies in wildfires-affected areas of the state, officials in Australia’s New South Wales say.No description foundVolunteer firefighter Ash Graham wipes a tear as he talks about his dog, Kozi, while camping on the lawn near the fire station at Nerrigundah, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, after losing his house and his dog when a wildfire ripped through the town on New Year's Eve. The tiny village of Nerrigundah in New South Wales has been among the hardest hit by Australia's devastating wildfires, with about two thirds of the homes destroyed and a 71-year-old man killed. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Sandstone sculptures by local fire captain Ron Threlfall show scenes of distress, Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, in Nerrigundah, Australia, that many residents of the town may have felt as a wildfire ripped through the town on New Year's Eve. The tiny village of Nerrigundah in New South Wales has been among the hardest hit by Australia's devastating wildfires, with about two thirds of the homes destroyed and a 71-year-old man killed. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Colin Brennan stands in the debris of his destroyed house lost in the New Year's Eve wildfire at Nerrigundah, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2020. The tiny village of Nerrigundah in New South Wales has been among the hardest hit by Australia's devastating wildfires, with about two thirds of the homes destroyed and a 71-year-old man killed. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Lyle Stewart looks through burned debris at his destroyed house at Nerrigundah, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, after a wildfire ripped through the town on New Year's Eve. The tiny village of Nerrigundah in New South Wales has been among the hardest hit by Australia's devastating wildfires, with about two thirds of the homes destroyed and a 71-year-old man killed. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)In this Dec. 31, 2019, photo provided by Siobhan Threlfall, a fire approaches the village of Nerrigundah, Australia. The tiny village has been among the hardest hit by Australia's devastating wildfires, with about two thirds of the homes destroyed and a 71-year-old man killed. (AP Photo/Siobhan Threlfall)In this Dec. 30, 2019, photo provided by Siobhan Threlfall, a fire approaches the village of Nerrigundah, Australia. The tiny village has been among the hardest hit by Australia's devastating wildfires, about with two thirds of the homes destroyed and a 71-year-old man killed. (AP Photo/Siobhan Threlfall)In this Dec. 31, 2019, photo provided by Siobhan Threlfall, a fire threatens her home at the village of Nerrigundah, Australia. The tiny village has been among the hardest hit by Australia's devastating wildfires, with about two thirds of the homes destroyed and a 71-year-old man killed. (AP Photo/Siobhan Threlfall)Skye Threlfall talks about how she and her brother and sister saved their house a New Year's Eve wildfire at Nerrigundah, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2020. The tiny village of Nerrigundah in New South Wales has been among the hardest hit by Australia's devastating wildfires, with about two thirds of the homes destroyed and a 71-year-old man killed. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Sandstone sculptures by local fire captain Ron Threlfall show scenes of distress, Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, in Nerrigundah, Australia, that many residents of the town may have felt as a wildfire ripped through the town on New Year's Eve. The tiny village of Nerrigundah in New South Wales has been among the hardest hit by Australia's devastating wildfires, with about two thirds of the homes destroyed and a 71-year-old man killed. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Two brick fireplaces are all that are left of a historic town store at Nerrigundah, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, after a wildfire ripped through the town on New Year's Eve. The tiny village of Nerrigundah in New South Wales has been among the hardest hit by Australia's devastating wildfires, with about two thirds of the homes destroyed and a 71-year-old man killed. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)The home of Lyle Stewart is razed to the ground at Nerrigundah, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, after a wildfire ripped through the town on New Year's Eve. The tiny village of Nerrigundah in New South Wales has been among the hardest hit by Australia's devastating wildfires, with about two thirds of the homes destroyed and a 71-year-old man killed. (AP Photo/Sam McNeil)Lyle Stewart stands in front of his destroyed home at Nerrigundah, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, after a wildfire ripped through the town on New Year's Eve. The tiny village of Nerrigundah in New South Wales has been among the hardest hit by Australia's devastating wildfires, with about two thirds of the homes destroyed and a 71-year-old man killed. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Properties at Nerrigundah, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, are damaged and destroyed after a wildfire ripped through the town on New Year's Eve. The tiny village of Nerrigundah in New South Wales has been among the hardest hit by Australia's devastating wildfires, with about two thirds the homes destroyed and a 71-year-old man killed. (AP Photo/Sam McNeil)This satellite photo provided by Maxar Technologies shows wildfires spreading in the area south of Eden and Twofold Bay, shown in black, in New South Wales state of Australia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020. (Satellite image 2020 Maxar Technologies via AP)A lawn mower is barely recognizable after a fire destroyed a home at Nerrigundah, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, after a wildfire ripped through the town on New Year's Eve. The tiny village of Nerrigundah in New South Wales has been among the hardest hit by Australia's devastating wildfires, with about two thirds of the homes destroyed and a 71-year-old man killed. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Bushlands at Nerrigundah, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, are severely burned after a wildfire ripped through the town on New Year's Eve. The tiny village of Nerrigundah in New South Wales has been among the hardest hit by Australia's devastating wildfires, with about two thirds of the homes destroyed and a 71-year-old man killed. (AP Photo/Sam McNeil)Sheep graze in a field shrouded with smoke haze near at Burragate, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020. Wildfires continue to burn after warm dry weather hastened an early fire season in Australia. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Former Melbourne Australia Zoo curator joins The Morning Show to talk about Australia wildfiresAustralia wildfiresEvan Harris places gas bottles in a hole as he rushes around his property preparing to minimize fire impact at Burragate, Australia, Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, as a nearby fire threatens the area. Thousands of people are fleeing their homes and helicopters are dropping supplies to towns at risk of wildfires as hot, windy conditions threaten already fire-ravaged southeastern Australian communities. The danger is centered on Australias most populous states, including coastal towns that lost homes in earlier fires. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Evan Harris rushes around his property preparing to minimize fire impact at Burragate, Australia, Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, as a nearby fire threatens the area. Thousands of people are fleeing their homes and helicopters are dropping supplies to towns at risk of wildfires as hot, windy conditions threaten already fire-ravaged southeastern Australian communities. The danger is centered on Australias most populous states, including coastal towns that lost homes in earlier fires. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)A mud brick house owned by Evan Harris where he is preparing to minimize fire impact at Burragate, Australia, Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, as a nearby fire threatens the area. Thousands of people are fleeing their homes and helicopters are dropping supplies to towns at risk of wildfires as hot, windy conditions threaten already fire-ravaged southeastern Australian communities. The danger is centered on Australias most populous states, including coastal towns that lost homes in earlier fires. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Smoke hangs in layers in the mountains near Bemboka Friday, Jan. 10, 2020. Thousands of people are fleeing their homes and helicopters are dropping supplies to towns at risk of wildfires as hot, windy conditions threaten already fire-ravaged southeastern Australian communities. The danger is centered on Australias most populous states, including coastal towns that lost homes in earlier fires. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Australian Defence Force trucks and personnel, prepare to mobilize from Bega Australia, Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, to assist with wildfires. Thousands of people are fleeing their homes and helicopters are dropping supplies to towns at risk of wildfires as hot, windy conditions threaten already fire-ravaged southeastern Australian communities. The danger is centered on Australias most populous states, including coastal towns that lost homes in earlier fires. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Firefighters standby as nearby fire threatens at the Burragate, Australia, firehouse, Friday, Jan. 10, 2020. Thousands of people are fleeing their homes and helicopters are dropping supplies to towns at risk of wildfires as hot, windy conditions threaten already fire-ravaged southeastern Australian communities. The danger is centered on Australias most populous states, including coastal towns that lost homes in earlier fires. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Firefighters at Burragate, Australia, gather outside the firehouse as they discuss a nearby fire threat Friday, Jan. 10, 2020. Firefighters at Burragate, Australia, gather outside the firehouse as they discuss a nearby fire threat Friday, Jan. 10, 2020. Thousands of people are fleeing their homes and helicopters are dropping supplies to towns at risk of wildfires as hot, windy conditions threaten already fire-ravaged southeastern Australian communities. The danger is centered on Australias most populous states, including coastal towns that lost homes in earlier fires. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Evan Harris rushes around his property preparing to minimize fire impact at Burragate, Australia, Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, as a nearby fire threatens the area. Thousands of people are fleeing their homes and helicopters are dropping supplies to towns at risk of wildfires as hot, windy conditions threaten already fire-ravaged southeastern Australian communities. The danger is centered on Australias most populous states, including coastal towns that lost homes in earlier fires. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Firefighters and members of the army discuss a nearby fire threat at the Burragate, Australia, firehouse, Friday, Jan. 10, 2020. Thousands of people are fleeing their homes and helicopters are dropping supplies to towns at risk of wildfires as hot, windy conditions threaten already fire-ravaged southeastern Australian communities. The danger is centered on Australias most populous states, including coastal towns that lost homes in earlier fires. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)A yacht sails past a burning woodchip mill as the wildfires hits the town of Eden, New South Wales, Australia, Friday, Jan. 10, 2020. The wildfires have destroyed more than 2,000 homes and continue to burn, threatening to flare up again as temperatures rise. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)In this Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, photo, Terrance Gallegos, right, operations section chief at Santa Fe National Forest in the U.S., works in the situation room at the Rural Fire Service office in Moruya, Australia. The U.S., Canada and New Zealand have sent hundreds of firefighters to Australia to help local crews battle its deadly wildfires. The firefighters have come as part of a reciprocal deal which has previously seen Australians posted in North America. Many of the firefighters have specialized skills such as managing air operations or logistics. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Cattle graze in a field as smoke rises from burning fires on mountains near Moruya, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020. The wildfires have destroyed 2,000 homes and continue to burn, threatening to flare up again as temperatures rise. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Rural Fire Service public liaison officer Kelwyn White outlines conditions on the several fires burning near Moruya, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020. Conditions are expected to deteriorate on Friday after wildfires have destroyed 2,000 homes and continue to burn, threatening to flare up again as temperatures rise. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)A small wave of black water dirty with burned debris breaks at a beach littered with charred leaves at Eden, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, as a huge pile of woodchips burn at a mill across the bay. Wildfires have destroyed 2,000 homes and continue to burn, threatening to flare up again as temperatures rise. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)A small wave of black water full of burned debris breaks at a beach at Eden, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020. Wildfires have destroyed 2,000 homes and continue to burn, threatening to flare up again as temperatures rise. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)A koala named Robert with his paws bandaged is held by a vet nurse as he receives treatment on January 08, 2020 in Adelaide, Australia. (Getty Images / Mark Brake)In this Jan. 5, 2020, photo provided by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Capt. Dave Soldavini holds a baby kangaroo that was rescued from a wildfire, in Cobrunga, Australia. The U.S. is planning to send at least 100 more firefighters to Australia to join 159 already there battling blazes that have killed 25 people and destroyed 2,000 homes. (Jeremy McMahon/Bureau of Land Management via AP)Doug Schutz, right, the Tomerong Rural Fire Service Captain, oversees a controlled burn near Tomerong, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, set in an effort to contain a larger fire nearby. Schutz began volunteering with the Rural Fire Service in New South Wales some 53 years ago, at the age of 13. That was back in the days when the fire truck was a Land Rover that towed a trailer with a water pump on top. Schutz is part of an army of 72,000 people from across the state who make up the world's largest volunteer fire service. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Doug Schutz, the Tomerong Rural Fire Service Captain, oversees a controlled burn near Tomerong, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, set in an effort to contain a larger fire nearby. Schutz began volunteering with the Rural Fire Service in New South Wales some 53 years ago, at the age of 13. That was back in the days when the fire truck was a Land Rover that towed a trailer with a water pump on top. Schutz is part of an army of 72,000 people from across the state who make up the world's largest volunteer fire service. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Doug Schutz, the Tomerong Rural Fire Service Captain, oversees a controlled burn near Tomerong, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, set in an effort to contain a larger fire nearby. Schutz began volunteering with the Rural Fire Service in New South Wales some 53 years ago, at the age of 13. That was back in the days when the fire truck was a Land Rover that towed a trailer with a water pump on top. Schutz is part of an army of 72,000 people from across the state who make up the world's largest volunteer fire service. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)A firefighter manages a controlled burn near Tomerong, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, in an effort to contain a larger fire nearby. Around 2,300 firefighters in New South Wales state were making the most of relatively benign conditions by frantically consolidating containment lines around more than 110 blazes and patrolling for lightning strikes, state Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)A firefighter manages a controlled burn near Tomerong, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, in an effort to contain a larger fire nearby. Around 2,300 firefighters in New South Wales state were making the most of relatively benign conditions by frantically consolidating containment lines around more than 110 blazes and patrolling for lightning strikes, state Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Hundreds of animals died trying to flee Australia firesAn intentionally lit controlled fire burns intensely near Tomerong, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, in an effort to contain a larger fire nearby. Around 2,300 firefighters in New South Wales state were making the most of relatively benign conditions by frantically consolidating containment lines around more than 110 blazes and patrolling for lightning strikes, state Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)FILE - In this Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, file photo, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison tours the fire devastated Wildflower farm owned by Paul and Melissa Churchman in Sarsfield, Victoria. Australias deadly wildfires have proven to be not just a crisis for the country, but a crisis for the countrys prime minister _ one so grave that some have questioned whether his leadership can survive it. (James Ross/Pool Photo via AP)The home of Justin Kam and Helena Wong barely stands after a fire destroyed the house at Balmoral, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020. Kam and Wong built their home with quarter-inch thick reinforced glass, steel framing and rock surrounds to protect them from Australia's notorious wildfires. But as they stayed home with their son and battled flames that soared as high as a 15-story building, they realised they were in mortal danger. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)A barbeque and gas bottles are strewn on around of the destroyed home of Justin Kam and Helena Wong at Balmoral, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020. Kam and Wong built their home with quarter-inch thick reinforced glass, steel framing and rock surrounds to protect them from Australia's notorious wildfires. But as they stayed home with their son and battled flames that soared as high as a 15-story building, they realised they were in mortal danger. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Justin Kam, right, and Helena Wong survey their destroyed home at Balmoral, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020. Kam and Wong built their home with quarter-inch thick reinforced glass, steel framing and rock surrounds to protect them from Australia's notorious wildfires. But as they stayed home with their son and battled flames that soared as high as a 15-story building, they realised they were in mortal danger. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Justin Kam surveys his destroyed home at Balmoral, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020. Kam and his partner built their home with quarter-inch thick reinforced glass, steel framing and rock surrounds to protect them from Australia's notorious wildfires. But as they stayed home with their son and battled flames that soared as high as a 15-story building, they realised they were in mortal danger. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Deadly wildfires in Australia: What you need to knowCNNLocal fire chief's connection to AustraliaIn the image released and dated Monday, Jan. 6, 2020, by the Australian Department of Defence, plant operators Cpl. Duncan Keith and Sapper Ian Larner of the 22nd Engineer Regiment use a 434 backhoe to assist staff from Forestry Management Victoria to clear fire damaged trees from the great Alpine road between Bairnsdale and Omeo during Operation Bushfire Assist 19-20 in Bairnsdale, Victoria, Australia. Australia's government on Monday said it was willing to pay whatever it takes to help communities recover from deadly wildfires that have ravaged the country. (Australia Department of Defence via AP)In this photo provided by the Australian Department of Defence on Jan. 6, 2020, HMAS Adelaide is anchored off Eden and is positioned to assist with wildfires. The wildfires have so far scorched an area twice the size of the U.S. state of Maryland. They have destroyed about 2,000 homes. (Able Seaman Thomas Sawtell/ADF via AP)In this image released by the Department of Defense, dated Jan. 6, 2020, plant operator Cpl. Duncan Keith of the 22nd Engineer Regiment unloads a 434 backhoe to assist staff from Forestry Management Victoria to clear fire damaged trees from the great Alpine road between Bairnsdale and Omeo during Operation Bushfire Assist 19-20 near Bairnsdale, Victoria, Australia. (Department of Defence via AP)In this photo provided by the Australian Department of Defence on Jan. 6, 2020, Seaman Boatswains Mate Malik El-Leissy watches a burning fire from HMAS Adelaide as the ship arrives at Eden to assist with wildfires. The wildfires have so far scorched an area twice the size of the U.S. state of Maryland. They have destroyed about 2,000 homes. (Able Seaman Thomas Sawtell/ADF via AP)In this photo provided by the Australian Department of Defence on Jan. 6, 2020, a fire burns near Eden as HMAS Adelaide arrives to assist with wildfires. The wildfires have so far scorched an area twice the size of the U.S. state of Maryland. They have destroyed about 2,000 homes. (Able Seaman Thomas Sawtell/ADF via AP)An 8-month-old koala joey eats a eucalyptus leaf in Sydney, Australia (Ian Waldie/Getty Images).(Images of Australia wildfires via The Associated Press)In this handout provided by the Australian Department of Defense, Warrant Officer Class Two Darrel Rowe, from the 5th Aviation Squadron, searches the ground from an Australian Army CH-47F Chinook during the flight to Omeo to evacuate local residents.Crews from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and the Country Fire Authority monitor fires and begin back-burns between the towns of Orbost and Lakes Entrance in East Gippsland.A family boards an Australian Army Blackhawk helicopter at Omeo Showgrounds, for evacuation to RAAF Base East Sale.A burnt car is seen near a destroyed house in Sarsfield, Australia.Crews put out spot fires in Sarsfield, Australia. Twenty-eight people remain missing in the area following bushfires across East Gippsland, with Victorian premier Daniel Andrews declaring a state of disaster.A burnt-out structure is pictured in Wingello, Australia. Prime Minister Scott Morrison this weekend announced that army reservists were being called up to help with firefighting efforts across Australia, along with extra ships and helicopters.Fires are still burning to the north of Nowa Nowa as of Sunday.Burnt trees and debris cover the road on Jan. 5, 2020 outside Cann River along the Monaro Highway, in Australia. Victorian premier Daniel Andrews has declared a state of disaster in the region, compelling residents in threatened areas to evacuate. Thousands of people remain stranded in the coastal town of Mallacoota and are being evacuated by navy ships to Melbourne.A woman wearing a face mask looks at her phone as she walks across The Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia. Smoke haze across Sydney city has become common in recent months as bushfires continue to burn across eastern Australia.A hose is left slumped over a fence in front of a burnt-out structure in Wingello, Australia. A state of emergency is in place across the region as firefighters battle 150 fires, 64 of which are uncontained.With fire-damaged fences, cattle wander on to the road outside Cann River, Australia.A ghostly train station is pictured as rain begins to fall on January 05, 2020 in Bundanoon, Australia. A state of emergency has been in place across the region as firefighters work to contain multiple fires, more than a dozen of which are at emergency level.A Royal Australian Navy MH-60R Seahawk "Romeo" helicopter takes off in connection with Operation Bushfire Assist, on January 5, 2020.In this Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, photo provided by Australian Department of Defence, a Royal Australian Navy MRH-90 helicopter crew member looks out over fires burning near Cann River. The wildfires have so far scorched an area twice the size of the U.S. state of Maryland. (Private Michael Currie/ADF via AP)The sky above Auckland's Sky Tower turns orange as smoke from the Australia wildfires arrives in New Zealand, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison defended his leadership and his government's record on climate change Sunday as milder temperatures brought hope of a respite from wildfires that have ravaged three states, destroying almost 2,000 homes. (Luke Kirkness/New Zealand Herald via AP)The sky above Bethells Beach on the west coast near Auckland turns orange as smoke from the Australia wildfires arrives in New Zealand, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison defended his leadership and his government's record on climate change Sunday as milder temperatures brought hope of a respite from wildfires that have ravaged three states, destroying almost 2,000 homes. (Michael Craig/New Zealand Herald via AP)Houses are flattened at Conjola Park, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, after recent wildfires ripped through the community. The deadly wildfires, which have been raging since September, have already burned about 5 million hectares (12.35 million acres) of land and destroyed more than 1,500 homes. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)An ember burns among blackened trees after a wildfire ripped through near Kangaroo Valley, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020. The deadly wildfires, which have been raging since September, have already burned about 5 million hectares (12.35 million acres) of land and destroyed more than 1,500 homes. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Firefighters manage a controlled burn to help contain a larger fire near Falls Creek, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020. The deadly wildfires, which have been raging since September, have already burned about 5 million hectares (12.35 million acres) of land and destroyed more than 1,500 homes. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Houses are flattened at Conjola Park, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, after recent wildfires ripped through the community. The deadly wildfires, which have been raging since September, have already burned about 5 million hectares (12.35 million acres) of land and destroyed more than 1,500 homes. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Blackened trees poke through the scorched ground after a wildfire ripped through near Kangaroo Valley, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020. The deadly wildfires, which have been raging since September, have already burned about 5 million hectares (12.35 million acres) of land and destroyed more than 1,500 homes. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)The devastating Australian bushfires have been burning for months and there's no end in sight. Thousands of Australians have evacuated their homes, fleeing bushfires that are expected to rage for months.This image made from video shows dead kangaroos and sheep after wildfires hit the Kangaroo Island, South Australia Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020. Milder temperatures Sunday brought hope of a respite from wildfires that have ravaged three Australian states, destroying almost 2,000 homes. (Australian Broadcasting Corporation via AP)This satellite image provided by NASA on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020 shows wildfires in Victoria and New South Wales, Australia. Australia's prime minister called up about 3,000 reservists on Saturday as the threat of wildfires escalated in at least three states, while strong winds and high temperatures were forecast to bring flames to populated areas including the suburbs of Sydney. (NASA via AP)A man stands in the back of a truck as they patrol a fire at Batemans Bay, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020. Australia's prime minister called up about 3,000 reservists as the threat of wildfires escalated in at least three states on Saturday, while strong winds and high temperatures were forecast to bring flames to populated areas including the suburbs of Sydney. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)This image taken from the International Space Station on Friday, Jan. 3, 2020 shows wildfires surrounding Sydney Australia as the ISS orbited 269 miles above the Tasman Sea. Australia's prime minister called up about 3,000 reservists on Saturday as the threat of wildfires escalated in at least three states, while strong winds and high temperatures were forecast to bring flames to populated areas including the suburbs of Sydney. (NASA via AP)Residents on edge of Batemans Bay, Australia, relax after a fire threat near their homes eased Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020. Australia's prime minister called up about 3,000 reservists on Saturday as the threat of wildfires escalated in at least three states, while strong winds and high temperatures were forecast to bring flames to populated areas including the suburbs of Sydney. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)A man stands in the back of a truck as they patrol a fire at Batemans Bay, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020. Australia's prime minister called up about 3,000 reservists as the threat of wildfires escalated in at least three states on Saturday, while strong winds and high temperatures were forecast to bring flames to populated areas including the suburbs of Sydney. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Firefighters at Batemans Bay, Australia, relax after a fire threat near their homes eased Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020. Australia's prime minister called up about 3,000 reservists on Saturday as the threat of wildfires escalated in at least three states, while strong winds and high temperatures were forecast to bring flames to populated areas including the suburbs of Sydney. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Firefighters at Batemans Bay, Australia, relax after a fire threat near their homes eased Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020. Australia's prime minister called up about 3,000 reservists on Saturday as the threat of wildfires escalated in at least three states, while strong winds and high temperatures were forecast to bring flames to populated areas including the suburbs of Sydney. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)This Saturday, Jan. 4, 2019 image provided by provided by Maxar Technologies shows wildfires east of Orbost , Australia. Australia's prime minister called up about 3,000 reservists on Saturday as the threat of wildfires escalated in at least three states, while strong winds and high temperatures were forecast to bring flames to populated areas including the suburbs of Sydney. (Satellite image 2020 Maxar Technologies via AP)Smoke from wildfires shrouds a road near Moruya, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020. Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison called up about 3,000 reservists as the threat of wildfires escalated Saturday in at least three states with two more deaths, and strong winds and high temperatures were forecast to bring flames to populated areas including the suburbs of Sydney. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)Thick smoke blankets southeastern Australia on January 1, 2020.A Landsat image taken on Jan. 1, 2020 shows the thick smoke from wildfires blanketing southeastern Australia.Cyclonic fire-tornadoes, also known as "firenados," are tearing across parts of southern Australia, adding to the apocalyptic scenes playing out amid one of that nation's worst fire seasons on record.A Forest Corporation worker manages a fire hose as he battles a fire near Moruya, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020. Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison called up about 3,000 reservists as the threat of wildfires escalated Saturday in at least three states with two more deaths, and strong winds and high temperatures were forecast to bring flames to populated areas including the suburbs of Sydney. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
In this Dec. 31, 2019, photo provided by Siobhan Threlfall, fire and thick smoke remains the village of Nerrigundah, Australia. The tiny village has been among the hardest hit by Australia's devastating wildfires, with about two thirds of the homes destroyed and a 71-year-old man killed. (AP Photo/Siobhan Threlfall)
Copyright 2020 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.
