Why Do We Get Thunder and Lightning?
A Stormy Mystery
⚡ What Is Lightning?
Lightning is a giant spark of electricity that shoots through the sky. It happens when storm clouds are full of tiny pieces of ice and water that bump into each other. These bumps make electricity build up inside the cloud. When the electricity becomes too strong, it escapes — ZAP! That’s the lightning we see.
🌩️ What Is Thunder?
Thunder is the loud rumble we hear after lightning. When lightning flashes, it makes the air around it very hot — hotter than the surface of the Sun! The hot air quickly expands and then crashes back together. That sudden movement makes the sound we call thunder.
⏱️ Why Do We See Lightning Before Hearing Thunder?
Light travels much faster than sound. That’s why we see the bright flash of lightning first, then hear the thunder a few seconds later. If you count the seconds between lightning and thunder, you can guess how far away the storm is!
🌈 Fun Fact
Sometimes lightning can happen inside clouds, between clouds, or even from a cloud to the ground. There are also amazing lightning shows like “sheet lightning” that light up the whole sky.
So now you know — thunder and lightning are nature’s way of putting on a powerful light and sound show in the sky! Next time you see a flash and hear a rumble, you’ll understand the science behind the storm. Stay safe indoors, and enjoy the wonder of our amazing weather.
