Australia has been enveloped in flames since July of 2019. The impact of the same has been so devastating that it is no longer limited to the continent. The smoke from the fire has risen into the stratosphere as high a 17.7 kilometres, a record height never seen before. The plumes are now travelling across the stratosphere over other countries. 

"Once in the stratosphere, the smoke can travel thousands of miles from its source, affecting atmospheric conditions globally," Nasa said. According to news reports, NASA says that the smoke is expected to make a &ldquofull-circuit&rdquo around the globe, returning to the skies above Australia. The smoke from fires occurring on New Year&rsquos day has already crossed South America.

It is not the fires alone, but also the excessive heat and drought that have added to the chaos. Many have blamed climate change for the same. The combustion has been so intense that it has, in turn, birthed numerous fire-generated thunderstorms. Due to proximity to the continent, New Zealand has become a victim of the fires as well. Glaciers in the country have turned brown due to the incoming smoke. 

As the plumes travel across the world, the air quality is expected to be affected as well.