2 Record-Breaking , Bolts of Lightning , Occurred in 2020.
According to the World Meteorological Organization
(WMO), two new world records were set
for megaflashes of lightning in 2020. .
MSN reports that on April 20, 2020,
the world's longest single flash of lightning
was recorded across the southern United States. .
The record-breaking bolt
traveled an incredible horizontal
distance of over 477 miles. .
That distance is the equivalent of traveling
from New York City to Columbus, Ohio. .
The previous record was
recorded in Brazil back in 2018. .
That bolt registered at over 440 miles long. .
According to the WMO, another record was set
for the longest duration of a single lightning flash. .
On June 18, 2020, a single bolt was clocked
at persisting for over 17 seconds over Uruguay
and parts of northern Argentina. .
These are extraordinary records from
single lightning flash events. It is likely
that even greater extremes still exist,
and that we will be able to observe them
as lightning detection technology improves, Professor Randall Cerveny, Rapporteur of Weather
and Climate Extremes for WMO, via 'The Independent'.
These are extraordinary records from
single lightning flash events. It is likely
that even greater extremes still exist,
and that we will be able to observe them
as lightning detection technology improves, Professor Randall Cerveny, Rapporteur of Weather
and Climate Extremes for WMO, via 'The Independent'.
Lightning is a major hazard
that claims many lives every year.
The findings highlight important
public lightning safety concerns
for electrified clouds where flashes
can travel extremely large distances, Professor Petteri Taalas, WMO Secretary-General, via 'The Independent'.
Lightning is a major hazard
that claims many lives every year.
The findings highlight important
public lightning safety concerns
for electrified clouds where flashes
can travel extremely large distances, Professor Petteri Taalas, WMO Secretary-General, via 'The Independent'