Can the average cumulonimbus cloud generate 9000+ lightning strikes per hour in the desert?

Question

Phoenix had a storm like this last week.

Answer 1

If this was a cluster or group of thunderstorms and the moisture source was tropical/monsoonal, I would say yes.  These thunderstorms, unlike the cold core instability type you normally get with a winter storm, can be very active late at night. Some would give you a continuous light show all night long.  If his was one isolated cell, then I would say that would be a little high.