What is heat lightning?

Heat Lightning

Heat lightning is simply lightning that occurs so far away that thunder cannot be heard. Sound dissipates over distance, so when lightning is very distant, you only see the flash of light.

• Definition: It is essentially lightning from a thunderstorm that is too far away for the thunder to be heard.
• Audibility: Thunder typically cannot be heard beyond approximately 10-15 miles (16-24 kilometers) under normal atmospheric conditions.
• Misconceptions: Despite its name, heat lightning is not a specific type of lightning caused by extreme heat. It is ordinary lightning. The "heat" in the name refers to the fact that it is often observed on hot summer nights.
• Observation: It is commonly seen near the horizon on warm evenings. The flashes of light may appear to be reflecting off of distant clouds.
• Safety: Since it is lightning, and lightning is associated with thunderstorms, it's important to remember that if you can see lightning, even at a distance, you are potentially in danger. Although the storm itself may be far away, lightning can strike surprisingly far from the parent storm. Seek shelter.