The Formation of Lightning and Its Dangers

Lightning is a powerful natural electric discharge in the atmosphere that appears with a flash of light and a thunderous sound. It occurs due to changes in atmospheric conditions, specifically due to the imbalance of electric potential between clouds or between a cloud and the ground. This natural phenomenon is more common in autumn and summer and can pose significant threats to human health, buildings, electronic devices, and forests.

Jun 7, 2025 - 08:58

Cloud Formation and Movement
In large cumulonimbus clouds, collisions between water droplets, ice particles, and air currents create intense friction, generating electrical charges.
Separation of Charges
The top of the cloud typically becomes positively charged, while the bottom becomes negatively charged. This creates a strong electric field. Sometimes, the imbalance occurs between the cloud and the ground.
Discharge of Charges
When the difference in potential reaches a critical level, a sudden discharge occurs as a bright flash — this is lightning. If it discharges between the cloud and the ground, it is called cloud-to-ground lightning.
Thunder
The lightning heats the air to about 30,000°C, causing rapid expansion and producing a loud sound wave — thunder.

Cloud-to-ground lightning — the most dangerous form.
Intra-cloud lightning — occurs within clouds and is not harmful to the ground.
Cloud-to-air — discharges into the surrounding air.
Positive lightning — stronger and longer-reaching, more dangerous.

To Human Health
A direct strike can be fatal.
Can cause cardiac arrest, nervous system damage, and burns.
Even nearby strikes can cause injury.
To Buildings and Infrastructure
Can damage electrical systems and cause fires.
May affect power supply by damaging transmission lines.
To Nature
Can cause wildfires.
Harmful to animals.
Destroys crops.
To Transportation
Poses risks to airplanes, ships, and special vehicles, though modern tech reduces this danger.

Lightning Rods
Buildings in lightning-prone areas should be equipped with rods to safely direct strikes into the ground.
Stay Inside Vehicles or Buildings
Cars are safe because metal conducts the charge into the ground.
Indoors is safer than open fields.
Avoid Using Electrical Devices
Don’t use phones, TVs, or computers during a storm.
If Caught Outside
Avoid trees — they attract lightning.
Stay away from water.
Discard metal objects.
Crouch down to reduce ground contact.