We’re all familiar with watching a thunderstorm pass by in the distance, observing peacefully from the comfort of your porch. But, did you know that you don’t have to be under a thunderstorm to get struck by lightning?

What You Need To Know

  • Lightning can strike on what seems to be a fair-weather day

  • Lightning can strike 20 miles away from a parent storm

  • This type of lightning comes out the side of a thunderstorm cloud

Sometimes, lightning can strike in areas that are seemingly under fair weather conditions. This phenomenon is called a "bolt from the blue," and they are not as rare as many people think.

A "bolt from the blue" is a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt that typically comes out of the side of a thunderstorm cloud. This lightning bolt will travel a good distance away from the cloud in clear air, angle downward, and strike the ground.

They are known to travel more than 20 miles away from a thunderstorm cloud!

This can be very dangerous, seeing as they can appear on what looks like a sunny day when most people are doing outdoor activities.  

Be conscious of thunderstorm activity happening around your area, and remember, when you hear thunder, head inside.

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