Thunder and lightning

Lightning is one of the most amazing natural phenomena that occurs in thunderstorms. Lightning is a massive electrical spark that is created by the discharge of opposite electrical charges (usually negative at the bottom of a cloud and positive at the ground or another cloud). This discharge heats the air to temperatures of about 30,000 degrees Celsius, producing a brilliant light. Thunder is the sound caused by the sudden, explosive expansion of heated air, which creates a shock wave. Lightning travels faster than sound, so we see the lightning first and then hear the thunder. This phenomenon is beautiful but dangerous and can cause serious injury.