A record-breaking megaflash of lightning was confirmed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as the longest ever documented, stretching an astonishing 515 miles from eastern Texas to near Kansas City during a severe storm on October 22, 2017. This colossal bolt surpasses the average lightning bolt, which typically spans less than 10 miles. As described by Randall Cerveny, a professor at Arizona State University involved in validating this record, megaflashes are unique phenomena detected only recently due to advancements in technology that allow precise tracking of lightning events.
Megaflashes usually occur in regions where specific geographical and atmospheric conditions—such as warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico colliding with drier air from the north—create severe thunderstorms. While these long bolts have been previously observed in the U.S., Argentina, and southern France, they rarely cause ground damage, as they form high in the atmosphere, usually between 10,000 and 18,000 feet.
The 2017 megaflash generated from an immense storm that affected various Midwest states, sparking discussions about public safety due to the potential for such electrified clouds to impact aviation and ignite wildfires. The flash surpassed the previous record, set in 2020, by approximately 38 miles. Enhanced satellite technologies have improved lightning detection accuracy, and experts anticipate the discovery of even longer megaflashes in the future. The WMO maintains records of extreme weather events, emphasizing the significant influence these phenomena have on society and safety.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
