Tracking Lightning Storms Across Europe
Understanding Lightning and Storms
Lightning is a sudden electrostatic discharge during a storm, producing a flash of light and a powerful sound wave known as thunder. This discharge occurs when electrical charges in a cloud build up and create a difference in electrical potential with the ground or another cloud. When the potential difference becomes too great, the charges are released as lightning.
Understanding Lightning and Thunderstorms
What Causes Lightning?
Lightning is caused by the buildup of static electricity within storm clouds. As clouds move through the sky, they accumulate electrical charges: positive charges near the top and negative charges near the bottom. When these charges become sufficiently separated, the air between them can no longer act as an insulator, and the charges discharge as lightning. This can occur:
- Within a cloud
- Between clouds
- Between a cloud and the ground
The Role of Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms are the primary producers of lightning. They form when warm, moist air rises rapidly, cools, and condenses to form cumulonimbus clouds. These towering clouds can reach up to 12 miles into the atmosphere and produce intense weather phenomena, including:
- Heavy rain
- Strong winds
- Hail
- Lightning
Types of Lightning
Cloud-to-Ground (CG)
This is the most well-known type of lightning, where a discharge occurs between the cloud and the ground. It is also the most dangerous form of lightning.
Intra-Cloud (IC)
This occurs within a single cloud and is the most common type of lightning.
Cloud-to-Cloud (CC)
This occurs between two clouds and is less common than intra-cloud lightning.
Cloud-to-Air (CA)
This occurs when lightning strikes out into the air from a cloud but does not make contact with another cloud or the ground.
Safety Tips During Lightning Storms
During a lightning storm, take the following safety precautions to protect yourself from injury:
- Seek shelter indoors or in a car with a metal roof.
- Avoid using electrical appliances or landline phones.
- Stay away from windows, doors, and anything that conducts electricity.
- Do not stand under trees or tall objects that could attract lightning.
Live Lightning Map and Storm Predictions
Unfortunately, we cannot directly display the live lightning map here. However, you can view the real-time lightning map by visiting the following link:
View Live Lightning Map on LightningMaps.org
Understanding the Map
The map above shows real-time lightning strikes and storm activity across Europe. Use this tool to track storms, predict their movement, and see where lightning is currently occurring. The map updates every few seconds to provide the most current information available.
Weather Map: Gozo, Malta
Use the controls in the top right-hand corner of the map to select the data you wish to view. You can also zoom in and out of specific areas of the map using the +/- keys.
The Windy map offers a detailed overview of weather conditions, including cloud cover, precipitation, and temperature. This is essential for planning a night photographing the storms.
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Copyright © Andy Keen – All rights reserved.
Star Date: 16/09/24
