Virginians debate about thunder and lightning

Thunder and LightningPhoto byNavionUnsplash

Recently, Virginia has been experiencing many thunderstorms. Along with thunder and lightning, there has been much rain. There was no debate about the rain, but I was in a debate about which came first: thunder or lightning.

Thinking back to my high school science class many decades ago, I insisted that lightning always comes before thunder.

I have to revise my answer because I was only half right. So, what is the correct answer, according to the National Weather Service (NWS)?

Which comes first?

We often say thunder and lightning, making some people think thunder comes first. However, thunder and lightning both come at the same time.

LightningPhoto byMaxime Raynal/Lightning Wikipedia Screenshot

The most noticeable aspect of lightning and thunder is that the lightning is seen before thunder is heard. This is because the speed of light is much faster than the speed of sound. We see lightning about 4 seconds before we hear thunder.

We should know also that lightning never comes without thunder, and thunder doesn't come without lightning. If you see lightning, surely thunder will follow.