Weather Flashes?

Question

I've heard of this from a friend, and I've "seen" it a couple of times, basically a few times I see the sky getting very bright as a flash, then its just plain dark again, and I am wondering what this is? Is it just lightning very far away or something? Because I can't hear any thunder, and besides its kind of freaky. It's just like a huge flash of light in the sky..

Answer 1

It's either heat lightning or lightning from a thunderstorm in the area. Even though it may not seem like the thunderstorm is in the area, ALWAYS stay indoors until 30 minutes after you see the last lightning strike because that thunderstorm can be approaching.

Answer 2

This type of lightning is heat lightning.

The reason why you don't hear thunder when heat lightning is occuring is because that lightning is too far for the air to go through to hear the usual thunder.

It also depends on the wind. If the wind faces you, you will likely hear thunder from the heat lightning.....but if the wind is at your back....the wind will block the acoustic shock waves somewhat so you won't hear the thunder is most cases.....

Answer 3

when lightning flashes without thunder, it could be heat lightning.

Answer 4

Heat lightning is a name given to a flash in the night sky that occurs when there is a lightning-producing thunderstorm very far away from the observer. Since the storm is often so far away that the lightning bolt itself isn't observed, and the thunder isn't heard, the flash in the sky has received a special name. "Heat" probably refers to the fact that this kind of display is often observed on a warm humid night, after daytime heating has triggered thunderstorms -- just not near the observer.

Answer 5

Yes it will be lightning far away. Far enough that you cannot hear the thunder.

I've seen this too, and know it is correct because on a few of the brighter flashes I have heard thunder some time later.

It all depends upon the level of visibiity.