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World record lightning – a single flash travels more than 700 km in Brazil

A new world record, lightning, has been recorded! A World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has established two new world records for the longest reported distance and the longest reported duration for a single lightning flash. The longest lightning flash duration is now set at more than 16 seconds in Argentina, while the longest distance is more than 700 km (nearly 450 miles) in Brasil!

The 700 km distance is, for example, equivalent to the distance between London, England, and Basel, Switzerland, in Europe. Or in the United States, between Boston (Massachusetts) and Washington DC. That is an exceptional distance, to be said, at least.

The record-breaking lightning flashes. Graphics: WMO
A so-called ‘megafleshes’ were detected by the new lightning detection equipment onboard satellites in orbit around the Earth. A megaflash is a horizontal lightning discharge reaching hundreds of kilometers/miles.

Quite often, a (lightning) discharge in one part of the storm can trigger an electrical disturbance on the other part of the clouds, which permits the lightning channel to continue growing and traveling long distances.

Lightning barrage over the Gulf of Trieste, Italy. Image by: Marko Korošec
Long-lasting lightning discharges often happen in the mesoscale convective systems (MCS) – a large complex of storms covering hundreds of kilometers/miles. MCS clusters usually contain massive electric fields.
New records for lightning flashes

 

Longest duration of lightning flash

 

Argentina now holds the world record for the longest duration of a lightning strike—a single lightning flash detected over northern Argentina on March 4th, 2019, lasted 16.73 seconds.

Record-breaking distance of lightning flash in Argentina. Graphics: WMO
Longest distance for a lightning flash

 

The world’s longest reported distance for a single lightning flash goes to Brazil. Lightning covered a horizontal distance of around 770 kilometers (440 miles) across parts of southern Brazil on October 31st, 2018.

record lightning

Record-breaking duration of lightning flash in Brazil. Graphics: WMO

Lightning madness over the Slovenian coast. Image by: Marko Korošec
 

Here is the official quote from Professor Randall Cerveny, chief rapporteur of Weather and Climate Extremes for the World Meteorological Organization:

“These are extraordinary records from single lightning flash events. Environmental extremes are living measurements of what nature is capable of and scientific progress in making such assessments. It is likely that even greater extremes still exist, and we will be able to observe them as lightning detection technology improves. This will provide valuable information for establishing limits to the scale of lightning—including megaflashes—for engineering, safety, and scientific concerns.”

Lightning remains a major hazard that claims numerous lives globally every year. Dangerous lightning threat awareness and safety are important for workers outside, storm spotters, or anyone caught outside during severe weather. There is a basic 30-30 rule existing for your safety:

30-30 rule means: If the time between the lightning flash and thunder is less than 30 seconds, go inside! And wait 30 minutes after the last observed flash of lightning to resume outdoor activities.

Upward lightning over Mt. Nanos, Slovenia. Image by: Marko Korošec
Previous lightning records

 

Lightning distance: The new lightning reports are more than double the previous values measured in the U.S. and France for similar world records. The previous record for the longest distance for a single lightning flash was 321 kilometers (199 miles) in Oklahoma, United States, recorded on June 20th, 2007.

Lightning duration: The previous record was 7.74 seconds in southern France, measured on August 30th, 2012. These records had been confirmed and were collected by ground-based lightning networks.

Lightning barrage over the island Krk, Croatia. Image by: Marko Korošec
WMO also has two other lightning-related records in its books:
  • Direct strike: 21 people were killed by a single flash of lightning as they huddled for safety in a hut in Zimbabwe in 1975.
  • Indirect strike: 469 people were killed in Dronka, Egypt, when lightning struck a set of oil tanks, causing burning oil to flood the town in 1994.
Recap – two new world records set:

 

  • Brazil, October 31, 2018: The world’s longest reported distance for a single lightning flash. Lightning covered a horizontal distance of about 770 kilometers (440 miles) across parts of southern Brazil.
  • Argentina, March 4, 2019: The longest duration for a single flash. It lasted for 16.73 seconds, developing continuously across northern Argentina.

Lightning barrage over the Adriatic Sea, Croatia. Image by: Marko Korošec
Official WMO statement:

WMO certifies Megaflash lightning extremes

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