Heat lightning is often used to describe lightning that is too far away for someone to hear thunder. Many people think heat lightning is a specific type of lightning, but it has nothing to do with heat.

Instead, it has to do with the distance between you and the storm. To put it simply, heat lightning doesn’t exist. Thunderstorms are just more prevalent during the summer months. That's why the distant light show gets associated with heat.

Watch the video above to learn more about the myth of heat lightning and how far the sound of thunder can travel.