The Science and Stats Behind Lightning |

Lightning is not something to mess around with. In our area, dry lightning is a big problem because it can start fires, but it can also be dangerous to human life. Compared to a lot of the country, especially east of the Rockies, we don’t see a lot of lightning around here, but it’s not unheard of in the spring and summertime, especially in the mountains. While lightning can strike anywhere, the rule has it that the taller the object the bigger the threat.

The thunderstorm threat moves east of Nevada Friday, but temperatures will still be springlike. Best chance for thunderstorms Friday will be in Utah as well as Florida. While we’re moisture starved right now, the east coast has plenty to work with. Combine high amounts of moisture with a cold front moving through and there is a good chance for thunderstorms in Florida Friday. However, the storm threat is expected to slide farther north throughout the day.

Lightning forms from a difference in charges from within the storm as well as compared with the ground. The base of the cloud is negatively charged and the top of the cloud is positively charged. Eventually negative charges from within the base of the storm begins to descend down from the storm towards the ground, this is called a stepped leader. As this happens, positive charges are also forming on the ground in trees, the grass, and other objects. You can think of this as a handshake with the positive charges from the ground eventually meeting with the descending negative charges from the cloud. Lightning happens when the handshake occurs between charges. Thunder happens from the rapid release of heat. Most lightning actually occurs within the storm itself.

When thunder roars it’s best to go indoors. An enclosed building with electrical and plumbing wiring is the best bet. If you can’t go inside, your car would be the next option. Once inside it’s best to avoid using any electrical devices such as your computer or a corded telephone. Cell phones however, are safe to use. During a thunderstorm, you’ll also want to avoid taking a shower, bath, or going swimming outside.

Keep in mind lightning can strike 10 miles away from the storm itself, so even you don’t see any lightning but you can hear thunder it’s best to go indoors. It’s best to wait thirty minutes after the last clap of thunder to go back outside.

Compared to the rest of the country, we don’t see that much lightning, but it’s not unheard of. Florida is known for its lightning, but Texas gets a lot too.