The temperature of lightning is 5 times higher than the temperature of the surface of the sun. How much is it?

2025-09-27 2025-09-27T10:33:20Z
هشام جمال
هشام جمال
كاتب مُحتوى جوّي

Arab Weather - Did you know that lightning can reach temperatures of 30,000 degrees Celsius or 54,000 degrees Fahrenheit? That's five times hotter than the surface of the sun.

 

How is lightning formed?

According to the National Geographic website, lightning occurs when rain, ice, or snow particles collide within storm clouds. This collision creates an electrical imbalance, allowing charges to suddenly transfer in the form of lightning. Interestingly, most lightning occurs within the clouds themselves and does not necessarily strike the ground.

 

Lightning heat and its effect on the air

Lightning is so hot that it heats the surrounding air to five times hotter than the surface of the sun. This intense heat causes the air to rapidly expand and vibrate, generating the thunderous sound we hear shortly after the lightning flash.

 

The danger of lightning to humans and nature

Lightning is a deadly natural phenomenon, claiming the lives of approximately 2,000 people worldwide annually. Those who survive lightning strikes may suffer long-term health problems, such as:

  • amnesia
  • Dizziness and general weakness
  • Numbness and nerve disorders
  • In some cases, lightning can lead to cardiac arrest or severe burns.
  • Lightning can also cause trees to explode, as the intense heat causes the water inside their trunks to evaporate at an incredible rate, creating intense pressure that causes the tree to explode.
  • Lightning and electrical hazard

 

With all these effects, it is very important to understand the danger of lightning and electrical hazards and take safety measures when thunderstorms occur, such as:

  • Stay away from open places
  • Do not take shelter under trees
  • Stay inside safe buildings or vehicles.
This article was written originally in Arabic and is translated using a 3rd party automated service. ArabiaWeather is not responsible for any grammatical errors whatsoever.
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