‘Heat lightning’ isn’t real: Here’s what is actually causing it

CHARLESTON, S.C. — On warm summer nights, it’s common to spot flashes of lightning on the horizon — but with no thunder to follow. Many people call this “heat lightning,” believing it’s a harmless side effect of hot weather. But is it really?

WCNC Charlotte Meteorologist Majestic Storm is setting the record straight: heat lightning isn’t a special type of lightning at all. Instead, it’s regular lightning from a distant thunderstorm — one so far away that the sound of thunder can’t reach your ears. Light travels much farther than sound, especially at night, which is why you can sometimes see lightning from storms up to 100 miles away. Thunder, on the other hand, is usually only heard within about 10 to 15 miles of a storm.

But just because you can’t hear the thunder doesn’t mean you’re safe. In fact, these silent flashes can signal a storm that’s much closer than it seems — or one that’s moving your way.

Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a storm, even under clear, blue skies.

If you’re outside enjoying summer activities like swimming at the lake, boating, or relaxing in your yard, those distant flashes should be your cue to act. Don’t wait until you hear thunder to take shelter.

• If you see lightning, take it seriously.

• Don’t wait to hear thunder before going inside.

• Seek shelter, or better yet, go indoors

So the next time someone says, “It’s just heat lightning,” you’ll know the truth: those silent summer flashes are actually quiet warnings that a storm could be much closer — and more dangerous — than they appear.

Stay safe this summer, and remember: when lightning stirkes, it’s coming from a nearby storm and it’s time to — go indoors.

Contact Majestic Storm at majesticstorm@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

🌩️ If you like weather, watch Brad Panovich and the WCNC Weather Impact Team on their Emmy Award-winning Weather IQ YouTube channel. 🎥