Lightning is one of the most spectacular displays that nature has to offer. But while it may be enjoyable to watch, it’s something that you would never want to be struck by.
To understand why, you need to know what lightning is and what causes it.
Inside a thunderstorm (cumulonimbus) cloud, ice crystals and hail bounce around and collide with each other. This leads to the bottom of the cloud having a negative charge.
But the top of the cloud and the ground below both have a positive charge.
Eventually, the negative and positive charges build up so much that a huge spark of electricity – lightning – is released, and hits either other clouds nearby or something on the ground.
The charge carried by a bolt of lightning is so intense that it has a temperature of 30,000°C (54,000°F) – that’s five times hotter than the surface of the Sun. If you were struck by lightning, not only would you be electrocuted, but you would also
be badly burnt.
So how can you tell if you’re about to be struck by lightning? As the electrical charge starts to build up in the air, your hair – even long hair – would stand on end.
If you’re outdoors in an open space, experts advise that the best thing to do is crouch down with your hands on your knees and your head tucked between them.
Never seek shelter under a tree, as trees are more likely to be struck and often catch fire, split and send sharp debris flying outwards.
The safest option of all is to make sure you check the weather forecast beforehand, so you’re never caught out. Then, as soon as you hear thunder, put yourself out of harm’s way by seeking shelter in a building or car, and making sure that all the windows and doors are closed.
This article is an answer to the question (asked by Davina Orr, via email) 'Can you tell when you’re about to be struck by lightning?'
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