The numbers
50,000 °Ftemperature of a bolt, about
5xhotter than the sun's surface
25 millionU.S. cloud-to-ground strikes a year, about
1 in 15,000lifetime odds of being struck, about
Count to find the distance
- See the flashLight arrives almost instantly
- Count the secondsUntil you hear the thunder
- Divide by 5That's the distance in miles
- Heard thunder? Go insideYou're close enough to be struck
Why it works
Sound travels about a mile every five seconds; light is nearly instant.
Myths and facts
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Lightning never strikes twice | The Empire State Building is hit about 20 times a year |
| Rubber tires protect you in a car | The metal body carries the current around you |
| No rain means you're safe | Lightning can strike 10 miles from the storm |
| Lying flat is safe | Get inside a building or hard-topped car |
When thunder roars, go indoors. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back out.
Remember
When thunder roars, go indoors.
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Answer key
- How hot is a lightning bolt?About 50,000 °FAbout five times hotter than the sun's surface.
- You count 10 seconds between flash and thunder. How far away is the strike?2 milesDivide the seconds by 5.
- Does lightning strike the same place twice?Yes, oftenThe Empire State Building is hit about 20 times a year.
- What protects you in a car?The metal bodyCurrent flows around you through the metal shell.
- How long should you wait after the last thunder?30 minutesWait 30 minutes before going back outside.