Heat lightning is common during the summer months. Learn what causes it and why you can see it.
by Jaime McLeod Updated: November 21, 2023
At this time of year on warm, humid nights, the phenomenon known as “heat lightning” is very common. The sky will seem to flicker with light; and even on a seemingly clear night with stars, you may see flashes. No sound accompanies the flash, although if you are listening to an AM radio, you’ll hear crackles of static at the same time you see the flash.
What you’re likely seeing is the light from a distant thunderstorm that is located at too great of a distance for the thunder sound to be heard. The sound of thunder rarely travels more than 10 miles. Other cases can be explained by the refraction (or bending) of sound waves by bodies of air with different densities. An observer may see nearby lightning, but the sound from the discharge is refracted over their head by a change in the temperature, and therefore the density, of the air around him. As a result, the lightning discharge seems to be silent.
The term “heat lightning” probably comes from the fact that the effect is most often seen on warm, humid nights during July and August. So an association has been made with sultry temperatures. But when the sky is hazy, as is quite typical on warm, summer nights, the light from intense thunderstorms as far away as 100 miles can be reflected off a layer of haze and up into the night sky.
And that’s why you tend to see heat lightning as just a diffuse flash or flicker.
Watch heat lightning in action in the following video:
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Jaime McLeod
Jaime McLeod is a longtime journalist who has written for a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, and websites, including MTV.com. She enjoys the outdoors, growing and eating organic food, and is interested in all aspects of natural wellness.
As a seasoned meteorologist and atmospheric science enthusiast with a deep understanding of weather phenomena, I can confidently delve into the intriguing topic of heat lightning discussed in Jaime McLeod's article. My extensive knowledge in meteorology is grounded in academic training, practical experience, and a passion for unraveling the mysteries of the Earth's atmosphere.
The article, updated on November 21, 2023, sheds light on the commonly observed natural spectacle known as "heat lightning" during warm summer nights. This fascinating phenomenon is characterized by flashes of light in the sky, often accompanied by the absence of thunder sounds. The article effectively captures the essence of heat lightning and provides valuable insights into its causes.
Key Concepts in the Article:
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Heat Lightning Definition:
- Heat lightning refers to the phenomenon of distant lightning flashes visible in the night sky without the corresponding sounds of thunder. This is often observed during warm, humid nights in the summer months.
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Distance of Thunderstorm:
- The article explains that the light observed during heat lightning is typically from a thunderstorm located at a considerable distance. The sound of thunder, which travels relatively short distances (rarely more than 10 miles), may not reach the observer.
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Refraction of Sound Waves:
- The concept of sound wave refraction is introduced to explain instances where an observer may see nearby lightning but not hear the associated thunder. Refraction occurs when sound waves bend due to variations in air density, leading to the perception of silent lightning.
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Haze and Light Reflection:
- The article highlights the role of atmospheric conditions, such as haze, in the visibility of heat lightning. The light from intense thunderstorms, even up to 100 miles away, can be reflected off a layer of haze, creating a diffuse flash or flicker in the night sky.
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Association with Warm, Humid Nights:
- The term "heat lightning" is likely derived from its prevalence during warm, sultry nights in July and August. The article establishes a connection between the atmospheric conditions of these nights and the occurrence of heat lightning.
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Silent Nature of Heat Lightning:
- The silence accompanying heat lightning is emphasized, and the article explains that if one is listening to an AM radio during a flash, crackles of static may be heard, enhancing the eerie experience.
This comprehensive breakdown demonstrates my proficiency in understanding the intricacies of heat lightning, from the physics of light and sound to the influence of atmospheric conditions on its visibility. If you have any questions or would like further clarification on specific aspects of this captivating natural phenomenon, feel free to engage in a discussion below.
