The state of Florida is famous for its sunshine, beaches, and summertime fun. However, as Floridians we know that summer also means thunderstorms, and thunder doesn’t happen without lightning. In this episode, we will explore the basic science of lightning and thunder, and how you can keep yourself safe this summer.  We hope this brief introduction to thunderstorms in Florida will help you feel more informed and prepared for our summer rainy season.

Cloud identification is a handy tool to have when going into the wilderness or simply going for a walk in the neighborhood. Be on the lookout for clouds morphing together to form a bigger cloud and sudden changes in wind direction. These are two signs of storm clouds, which start out as white fluffy cumulus clouds and eventually build into towering cumulonimbus storm clouds bringing thunderstorms and lightning. If you see lightning, count the seconds between the flash and the answering thunder; then divide that number by 5, now you know the lightning storms distance in miles. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors! 

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Naturally Florida (a podcast about Florida’s natural areas and the wild things that live here) recently released a new episode about rodenticides in Florida.

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If you enjoyed this episode about summer thunderstorms in Florida, please consider sharing it with a friend.

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Learn more:

• Understanding Lightning: Thunderstorm Electrification –https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-science-electrification
• Severe Weather 101: Frequently Asked Questions About Lighting – https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/lightning/faq/
• Understanding Lightning: Thunder – https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-science-thunder

How You Can Help:

• Share what you learned with a friend!
• Remember these sayings:
  • NO Place Outside Is Safe When Thunderstorms Are In The Area! 
  • When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! 
  • Half An Hour Since Thunder Roars, Now It’s Safe To Go Outdoors! 
• Educate yourself and others with these lighting safety tips and resources – https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning

Sources for this Episode:

• Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering 780, Chandima Gomes (Editor). “Lighting – Science, Engineering, and Economic Implications for Developing Countries”. Springer. 
• Clouds – How Do They Form? – https://www.weather.gov/source/zhu/ZHU_Training_Page/clouds/cloud_development/clouds.htm#:~:text=Clouds%20form%20when%20the%20invisible,a%20liquid%20or%20solid%20form
• Understanding Lightning: Thunderstorm Electrification –https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-science-electrification
• Severe Weather 101: Frequently Asked Questions About Lighting – https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/lightning/faq/
• Understanding Lightning: Thunder – https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-science-thunder
• Cloud Classification and Characteristics – https://www.weather.gov/lmk/cloud_classification

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