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    Big Country Heat Lightning Myths: Unraveling the Truth

    By Carter Vandrasik,

    3 days ago

    BIG COUNTRY, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC ) — As summer temperatures continue to rise and evenings stay warm, many people in the South may get the chance to witness the weather phenomenon known as heat lightning. While this can be appealing to the eye to watch at night, it often leaves those wondering: What exactly is heat lightning?

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0w1lPg_0ukuegMz00
    (Getty Images)
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    Contrary to popular belief, heat lightning is not a different type of lightning. It is also not caused by heat. This phenomenon is simply normal lightning generated from a distant thunderstorm. Questions many may ask regarding this matter are:

    Why is there no thunder created with heat lightning?

    • There is, in fact, thunder. The thunderstorm producing this lightning is creating thunder. The thunder is just too far away to hear it. According to the National Weather Service, the sound of thunder can only be heard within a 10-mile radius of a flash of lightning.

    Is heat lightning created by heat?

    • No. Lightning is not created by heat. This can be confusing, though, because thunderstorm development strengthens due to the summertime air, which is typically warmer and moister.
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    Does heat lightning look different from regular lightning?

    • Yes and no. The concept is the same; however, heat lightning can sometimes look fainter because you are only seeing light that is being reflected off higher-level clouds. You will never see the actual lightning flash due to the natural obstacles in the way of the distant storm. These obstacles may include mountains, trees, buildings, or even just the curvature of the Earth.

    Heat lightning is a fascinating weather phenomenon. It helps highlight the distance at which a thunderstorm can be observed. By understanding the science behind it, we can better appreciate these nighttime light shows and stay safer during severe weather. So, next time you see the flashes of light in the nighttime sky, know that a stronger thunderstorm is producing these lights and generating loud thunder somewhere farther away.

    Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

    For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.

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