Lightning Thunderstorm Safety Measures

Introduction

Clouds reflect much of the solar radiation in the atmosphere. It prevents the heat from falling on the earth. Therefore, cloudless desert areas have higher temperatures and cloudier areas have lower temperatures. Rain falls when the temperature is above freezing. Rainfall is found in most places on earth. Precipitation occurs only when there is too much moisture in the air.

The diameter of a raindrop is more than 5 mm. Humidity is an important factor affecting weather and climate in the atmosphere. As the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere increases, so does the amount of humidity. The absolute humidity is the whole amount of water vapour in the air.

What is lightning?

Lightning is a large spark-like electrical discharge between cumulus clouds during the rainy season. Lightning is a phenomenon that appears and disappears in an instant, branching out in the sky with dazzling brightness Thunder can also be heard thundering. Rain clouds (clouds) have the atoms within them rubbing or otherwise becoming charged in various ways.

All electrifying rituals are not completely unknown. But when it gets charged like this and it increases, when other cloud clusters with opposite charges come near, the electric energy flows through the air due to the gravitational force and loses the charge. Thus when the electric charge flows through the air, the spark glows. Air is electrified in this visible region like a ray of light. Sometimes lightning can strike a tree or the ground (thereby discharging the charge accumulated in the clouds to the ground). Lightning can strike animals and even people on land. Many people have died due to this ( continue to die every year).

Types of Lightning

With better study and understanding, lightning is generally classified into three categories.

• The termination of lightning from clouds to earth is called ground lightning.

• Most commonly, lightning that occurs within a cloud block is called cloud lightning. The lightning that occurs between two clouds is also called cloud lightning.

• Also, there is a very low type of lightning that is emitted from the cloud to the coil and ends and this is called atmosphere lightning.

• These are very difficult to examine. To investigate these, lightning must be observed, but it is very difficult to observe them because the location of the lightning strike cannot be known in advance.

What is a thunderstorm?

Thunderstorm refers to rain accompanied by thunder or lightning in the Earth’s atmosphere. It is also known as a thunderstorm. A hot spring has a lower density than a cold spring. So the hotter curve rises and the colder curve stays down. This effect can be observed in a hot air balloon. Warm air also contains more water vapour. As this vapour rises, it condenses from bubbles. As vapour condenses, latent heat is released into the vapour and the rising air is cooler than the surrounding air. If the kinetic energy thus available in the atmosphere continues, rain-forming cumulonimbus forms. These produce lightning and thunder.

Types of Thunderstorms

• A thunderstorm that consists of only one overlying air cloud is called a single- shell thunderstorm. These are more common in temperate climates.

• Multi-shell thunderstorms are most common in thunderstorms. Evolved clouds are found in the middle of the crowd.

• A large cloud with separate ascending and descending spirals is a super shell thunderstorm. These can produce damaging tornadoes and heavy rainfall. The wind direction of these thunderstorms varies with altitude.

Safety tips before the lightning and thunderstorms

• Check the weather forecast for the day before heading out. Postpone work or travel if there is a warning of thunder and lightning.

• If the hair follicles on the scalp are quivering, it is a sign of imminent lightning.

• A circuit breaker should be installed in the house to protect against high voltages.

• Avoid running water, such as showering or washing dishes, as lightning can travel through metal connections such as pipes in the home.

Safety tips during lightning and thunderstorms

• During thunderstorms, move into nearby stable/ concrete buildings or heavy- topped vehicles and close windows.

• Unplug electrical appliances such as television sets, refrigerators, computers, etc. It helps to protect electrical equipment from overvoltage during lightning strikes.

• Avoid traveling in open-air vehicles like motorcycles during thunderstorms. Avoid open spaces like playgrounds, swimming pools, and golf courts.

• During thunderstorms, move to a house, building, or shelter with a solid roof. If there is no shelter nearby one should sit with legs folded, arms around the legs, hands covering ears, eyes closed and the head upside down. This will help reduce the area where lightning strikes us.

Safety tips after the lightning and thunderstorms

• Remember the 30/30 rule. That is if the sound of thunder occurs within 30 counts of seeing the lightning, go into shelters and stay inside for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.

• After the lightning and thunderstorms stopped keep away from doorways, windows, walkways, bathtubs, stoves, and electrical conductors.

• Stay in the vehicles until help arrives. It is safe to sit with the window closed and not touch any metal parts. Park the vehicles away from power lines, trees, etc.

• If there is a possibility of a continued lightning strike, immediately move the victim to the nearest safe place.

Conclusion

Lightning is a large spark-like electrical discharge between cumulus clouds during the rainy season. Thunderstorm refers to rain accompanied by thunder or lightning in the Earth’s atmosphere. Check the weather forecast for the day before heading out. Postpone work or travel if there is a warning of thunder and lightning. Unplug electrical appliances such as television sets, refrigerators, computers, etc. It helps to protect electrical equipment from overvoltage during lightning strikes. If there is a possibility of a continued lightning strike, immediately move the victim to the nearest safe place.

FAQs

1: What is Hail?

During thunderstorms and rain storms, hailstones of more than 2 cm in diameter are called hail.

2: Explain Alto Status

Alto status is grey or blue clouds that appear as smooth, thin sheets. These contain frozen liquids.

3: What are CirroStratus?

Cirrostratus are soft, milky white, and look like glass. It is a cloud with very small snow particles.

4: What is Cyclonic rainfall?

The dense air massAlto status is grey or blue clouds that appear as smooth, thin sheets. These contain frozen liquids. es are concentrated and then move upwards and cool down due to thermal instability and are called cyclonic rainfall. Cyclonic occur in tropical and subtropical regions. At the junction of warm and cold air, water vapour condenses and produces precipitation.

5: What are Anticyclones?

An anticyclone is the opposite structure of low-pressure cyclones. Here a high- pressure zone is found in the center and low pressures surround it. Air flows from a high-pressure area to a low-pressure area in the form of a vortex.