What is the temperature of lightning?

The temperature of lightning can reach up to 30,000 Kelvin (or about 53,540 degrees Fahrenheit). This intense heat occurs as a result of the rapid discharge of electricity during a lightning strike.

When lightning occurs, the electrical energy heats the air around it almost instantaneously, causing it to expand and create a loud thunder sound. The extreme temperatures are similar to those found on the surface of the sun, demonstrating just how powerful and energetic a lightning bolt can be.

To give you a better idea, that heat is so intense that it can cause surrounding materials, such as trees and buildings, to catch fire or be damaged due to thermal shock. Understanding the temperature of lightning helps in grasping the sheer force of nature we experience during thunderstorms.

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