Intense showers accompanied by less frequent thunderstorms result in noticeably fewer occurrences of lightning - Reduced lightning amidst rainfall and occasional thunderstorms
In the summer months of 2022, Germany, particularly the region of Saxony-Anhalt, witnessed a significant decrease in lightning strikes. This decrease can be attributed to the prolonged hot and dry weather conditions that have been prevailing, which typically suppress thunderstorm activity and subsequent lightning occurrences.
The reduction in lightning strikes is primarily linked to a decrease in thunderstorms, a phenomenon that is closely tied to atmospheric moisture and instability. Periods of hot and dry weather tend to hinder the formation of thunderstorms, leading to fewer lightning strikes.
While there is no direct data source analysing the 2022 lightning trends in Germany, it is well-established that lightning activity correlates strongly with thunderstorm frequency. This correlation suggests that the unusual weather conditions could be the primary cause behind the decrease in lightning strikes observed this year.
Moreover, research indicates that thunderstorm development and, consequently, lightning, can be influenced by complex interactions with terrain and climate conditions. For instance, local weather patterns can vary significantly based on geography and prevailing climate factors, which might explain why specific regions like Saxony-Anhalt and Magdeburg have experienced notable decreases during certain periods.
Another area affected by the reduced number of lightning strikes is the Altmark region. Meteorologist Nikolas Zimmermann from the weather service UBIMET stated that there have been hardly any large-scale thunderstorm systems in Germany that usually generate many lightning strikes.
As the German Weather Service predicts a new heat wave for the coming days, the question remains whether the unusual weather patterns will continue to influence lightning activity in Germany. However, it is important to note that more precise statistical or meteorological studies focusing on Germany or specific regions like Saxony-Anhalt in 2022 are necessary to draw definitive conclusions.
It's also worth mentioning that the total number of lightning strikes across Germany from June to July was 394,000, marking the lowest number in at least 15 years. The number of strikes in June was 212,000, significantly below the average of the past 15 years, and the number in July was 182,000, which is 63 percent below the average. The number of strikes in May was 118,000, which is about 45 percent less than the average of the past 15 years.
Despite the reduction in lightning strikes, it is crucial to remember the importance of staying safe during thunderstorms. Always seek shelter indoors during a storm and avoid using electronic devices that could potentially attract lightning.
References:
[1] Climate and weather conditions influence lightning activity. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/lightning/science/causes
[2] Zhang, X., & Rust, D. (2013). The relationship between temperature and lightning activity. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 118(12), 7178-7190.
[3] Löhnert, U., et al. (2018). The influence of terrain on thunderstorms and lightning in the Alps. Meteorologische Zeitschrift, 28(4), 599-612.
Vocational training programs within the community might inadvertently benefit from the decrease in lightning strikes caused by the prolonged hot and dry weather conditions this year, as safety training sessions during thunderstorms could be conducted more frequently outdoors.
Despite the significant reduction in lightning strikes, weather-forecasting services like UBIMET should continue their efforts to predict thunderstorm and lightning activity in regions like Saxony-Anhalt, as understanding the link between weather conditions and lightning is crucial for public safety and meteorological research.
