Thunderstorm high voltage: This creates lightning and their dangers!

Thunderstorm high voltage: This creates lightning and their dangers!

Südamerika - The impressive natural phenomena that occur during thunderstorms are the result of complex electrical processes in the atmosphere. The South German arise in storm clouds. In these storm clouds, conductive cumulonimbus, ice crystals and drops of water come together, which are charged electrically by friction and collision. While the upper areas of the cloud, which are negatively invited, are building tensions of up to 1,000,000,000 volts. These often discharge in the form of a flash, both within the cloud and between cloud and floor.

flashes can reach enormous heat - up to 30,000 degrees Celsius. World of Physics indicates that the explosive expansion of the air through the heat also creates the characteristic thunder. This arises because the sound is significantly slower at a speed of about 330 m/s than the speed of light of 300,000 km/s, which means that lightning and thunder does not reach the observer's ear at the same time. The removal of a flash can also be estimated by counting the seconds between lightning and thunder and sharing through three.

flash statistics and safety instructions

In 2024, Germany recorded over 1.5 million flashes with a current of at least 5 ka, the highest number since 2018. Around 210,000 flashes hit the floor, which corresponds to an average of every two and a half minutes. These numbers illustrate the frequency of thunderstorms and their potential dangers. It is therefore important to stay in safe buildings or cars during thunderstorms and avoid high objects and water. If you are outdoors, it is advisable to crouch in a floor null, put your feet together and your arms to loop your legs to protect yourself as best as possible.

The origin of thunderstorms is closely connected to the upward movement of moist air masses, which are warmer than the cold ambient air. This circumstances leads to the formation of the Cumulonimbus clouds, which can reach heights of 10 to 20 kilometers in optimal conditions, as can be seen from DWD

Petrichor and its meaning

When the first raindrops fall on dry soil, a characteristic smell that is known as Petrichor is created. This fragrance is caused by oils, release the plants in dry periods and are thrown into the air when the drops are impacted. This connection between thunderstorms, rain and nature shows once again how dynamic our weather can be.