Why is there thunder and lightning but no rain? How is lightning formed?

Lightning is a strong discharge phenomenon between clouds, clouds and the ground, or clouds and objects. It usually occurs in cumulonimbus clouds. It often occurs in hot summer. Sometimes we can hear lightning from a long distance, but it still doesn't rain. What's going on? You may wish to open the article below to see the detailed introduction.

Contents of this article

1. Why is there thunder and lightning but no rain?

2. How is lightning formed?

3. Things to note when there is thunder and lightning

Why is there thunder and lightning but no rain?

The reason why there is only thunder and lightning but no rain is that thunder and lightning are caused by different reasons from rain. Thunder and lightning are caused by excessive accumulation of charged ions in the air, which results in a discharge behavior. Raining occurs because the water vapor in the cloud body is constantly supplied and replenished, making the surface of the cloud droplets often in a supersaturated state, causing the cloud droplets to continue to grow and become raindrops.

Thunder occurs in thunderclouds. Generally speaking, the thicker the clouds, the heavier the rainfall, while there may be no rain or less rain at the edge of the clouds.

The range of cumulonimbus clouds is generally between 10 kilometers and 30 kilometers, and the range of thunder can reach between 50 kilometers and 70 kilometers.

Because the actual charge content in the clouds is very high, there will be strong discharges accompanied by sounds, which are thunder and lightning.

How is lightning formed?

Lightning is a strong discharge phenomenon between clouds, clouds and the ground, or clouds and objects, usually occurring in cumulonimbus clouds. The negative charges generated by the clouds and the positive charges on the ground attract each other, and after overcoming the air barrier, they connect to form a huge current that goes to the ground, producing a bright and dazzling flash.

Linear lightning: Linear lightning has a particularly high current intensity, reaching tens of thousands of amperes on average, and most of them are cloud-to-ground discharges. When it touches a building, it often causes a lightning strike, which can cause a fire.

Sheet lightning: It looks like a flash on the cloud surface. It may be the echo of invisible spark discharge behind the cloud, or the diffuse light caused by lightning in the cloud being blocked by water droplets, or it may be a flickering independent discharge phenomenon on the cloud.

Ball lightning: Also known as rolling landmine, it looks like a fireball or a glowing hydrangea. It usually falls directly from high altitude, suddenly changes direction and moves horizontally when approaching the ground, and there will be a shocking explosion.

Thunder and Lightning Precautions

Close doors and windows, try not to play with mobile phones, do not touch metal devices, do not take shelter in buildings without lightning protection facilities, do not ride a bicycle, etc. It is best to turn off the power of some large appliances at home to avoid damage to them. When there is thunder and lightning, try to avoid going out, and find a place to take shelter outdoors.

When it is thundering and raining, it is strictly forbidden to stay on the top of a mountain or in high hills. Do not hide under big trees or near electric poles. Do not walk or stand in open fields. You should find shelter in a house if possible.

Do not use umbrellas with metal handles, take off any metal objects on your body, and if you are still riding a bicycle, get off the bicycle as soon as possible and stay away from other metal objects to avoid conductivity and being struck by lightning.

During thunderstorms, do not go swimming, boating, fishing, etc. in rivers or lakes.