Let’s talk lightning

Lightning happens 12 months out of the year, but June, July, and August are prime-time for those brilliant bolts here in the United States. Aside from an increase in overall thunderstorm activity during the summer months, the abundance of moist air and daytime heating from solar radiation tends to breed big lightning producers. 

Of the 50 states, Kansas ranked 7th for most lightning activity in 2025, while Missouri ranked 12th. Texas had the highest lightning count last year, with Florida placing 2nd. In terms of lightning density, Oklahoma took the top spot in 2025, taking Florida’s typical spot in the lightning density ranking.

A memorable lightning show took place locally last week, when severe storms rolled one after the other just south of St. Joseph on Tuesday night, Aug. 18 and early Wednesday morning Aug. 19. These storms produced a combined 300+ strikes per minute at times, including the more common cloud-to cloud strikes, and high intensity cloud-to ground strikes. Viewed from the Highway - 36 corridor, skies to the south were essentially a strobe light.

When lightning flashes from a faraway storm at night, you may not hear thunder. This is where the myth of 'heat lightning' stems from, seen on those warm summer nights from storms that may be over 100 miles away.

We’ve all heard the saying, 'when thunder roars, go indoors'.The simple rule of thumb is not based on visual cues, which may be less prevalent during the day. This axiom of sorts is especially useful when it comes to bolts from the blue, which can strike up to 20 miles away from their parent thunderstorm. All the more reason to heed nature’s alarm for currents of electricity that run hotter than the surface of the sun.