Lightning is an electrical discharge caused by the buildup of positive and negative charges in a thunderstorm, creating intense bolts that can reach temperatures of up to 50,000°F. These flashes, occurring within clouds or between clouds and the ground, cause rapid heating and cooling of the air, which produces thunder. Lightning can strike even outside heavy rain, up to 10 miles from any rainfall.

The NWS reports an average of 23 lightning-related fatalities and 300 injuries annually in the U.S. Lightning can cause significant damage to buildings, infrastructure, and communication systems, and is also a common cause of wildfires.