Electrical Discharge in the Atmosphere
Lightning is a powerful electrical discharge that occurs in the atmosphere between clouds and the ground, or between clouds of opposite charges. It can also appear during volcanic eruptions or sandstorms.
Deadly Consequences
Lightning strikes can be devastating and sometimes fatal.
Types of Lightning
- Cloud-to-Cloud Lightning: The most common type, posing a threat to nearby aircraft.
- Cloud-to-Ground Lightning (CG Lightning): The lightning bolt extends towards the ground, striking trees, buildings, or other objects.
- Ball Lightning: A rare type that appears as a small, floating sphere and lasts for a few seconds.
Climate Change and Increased Lightning Activity
Increased Thunderstorms
According to rmets.org, there are approximately 2,000 thunderstorms occurring globally at any given moment, producing 100 lightning strikes per second and 8 million per day.
Warm, humid air is essential for thunderstorms, which are more frequent in spring and summer. As global temperatures rise due to climate change, the air becomes warmer and can hold more moisture. A 1°C increase in temperature increases humidity by about 7%, leading to an increased likelihood of thunderstorms and more severe storms with more lightning.
Science Journal Findings
Science magazine reports that lightning activity increases by 12% per 1°C rise in temperature. This means that countries like the U.S. could witness a 50% increase in lightning strikes by the end of the century.
Global Distribution of Lightning
- Most frequent in tropical and subtropical latitudes
- More prevalent over land than oceans
- More common in the Northern Hemisphere than the Southern Hemisphere
Global Lightning Hotspots
Africa:
- Highest frequency of lightning strikes
- Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela: World's most lightning-prone location, with up to 260 lightning nights per year
- Democratic Republic of Congo: Eight of the world's top 10 lightning hotspot areas
South America:
- Five lightning hotspots, mostly in Colombia and Venezuela
North America:
- 25 million lightning strikes occur annually in the U.S.
Asia:
- Three lightning hotspots in Pakistan
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: 93 lightning strikes per square kilometer per year
Vietnam:
- Approximately 100 days of thunderstorms per year
- 250 hours of thunderstorms per year
- 2 million lightning strikes annually
Summary
Climate change is causing an increase in lightning activity worldwide. Warmer temperatures and increased humidity are fueling more thunderstorms and more intense lightning strikes. The consequences can be severe, posing risks to human safety, infrastructure, and the environment.