Heat Lightning Facts

Heat lightning is a term that is commonly misused by most of the people. Most of the times, it is used for the flashes of light seen in the sky near the horizon which are not associated with storms. But this is not true. There are different types of lightning. So what exactly is heat lightning? What causes heat lightning? Let us have a look.

What is Heat Lightning?

Sometimes during a storm, a person can see lightning strike but cannot hear the thunder as there is great distance between the lightning strike and the person. This is known as heat lightning. Many people consider heat lightning just as flashes of light as no sound of the thunder is audible. As the lightning takes place far away, the sound waves get dispersed while traveling and do not reach to the observer. The causes of heat lightning, and is similar to ordinary lightning minus the sound of thunder. Heat lightning are the flashes of light that are seen near the horizon. As light flashes can travel to a larger distance than sound waves, only the flashes of light are seen, but the thunder is not heard. Read more on what causes lightning.

Facts About Heat Lightning

• Heat lightning occurs only in summers and specially on hot summer nights. Hence, it is named so.
• Heat lightning is not followed by thunder and rainfall like ordinary lightning.
• The inaudible thunder of heat lightning can also be due to other weather conditions like snow or storm.
• Heat lightning can be seen all over the world. It is especially common in mountainous regions.
• Heat lightning should not be ignored as it is an indication of a storm that is likely to occur.
• Many lightning casualties occur in the summer months. But chances of being struck by lightning can be prevented if you follow safety rules.
• Just because you cannot hear the thunder, that does not mean you are not at risk of getting stuck by the lightning. Remember that light travels faster than sound.

Heat Lightning Facts and Myths

Myth: As there is no rainfall, there are no dangers associated with heat lightning.
Fact: It should be noted that most of the times, lightning is observed far away from the rain, sometimes as far as 10 miles.

Myth: As heat lightning occurs only in summer, it is not dangerous.
Fact: Heat lightning is caused due to thunderstorms. Although the thunder is not heard, it is an indication of a storm which can be moving in the observer's direction.

Is Heat Lightning Dangerous?

As observed in heat lightning facts, you should remember that heat lightning is equally dangerous as ordinary lightning. Many people enjoy watching the brilliant orange flashes of light caused by heat lightning near the horizon. But actually, it is advised that when one observes heat lightning, he should immediately seek shelter indoors. As mentioned above, heat lightning is an indication of a invading storm, people may not realize how close the storm is and may be under risk of getting struck by it. Specially in the mountainous regions, the heat lightning is closer than it appears which may confuse the observer. Due to the presence of mountains, the sound of thunder get muffled and are not heard even if the storm is in close proximity.

Lightning Safety Rules

One of the most simplest thing to remember is that when you see lightning, always stay indoors. If you are outdoors, it is best to stay in your car or seek shelter in nearby buildings. Avoid standing under a tree or seeking shelter in very high buildings. If you are on a hilltop, try to immediately seek shelter as you are at a higher risk of getting stuck with lightning. One should also stay away from electrical poles or telephone lines. It is even advised not to use plug-in electrical equipments for safety reasons. Read more on lightning safety precautions.

You can also read more on thunderstorms and natural disasters.

I hope you must have found these heat lightning facts interesting. Therefore, the next time you see a heat lightning, be careful and look for your safety first!