Imagine lightning stretching over 800 kilometers in a single flash! Yes, you read that right! The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed a groundbreaking record for the longest lightning flash ever recorded, and the numbers are mind-boggling.

In a remarkable event that took place in 2017 over Texas, USA, a lightning bolt stretched an astonishing distance of 829 kilometers (that’s about 514 miles!). This extraordinary phenomenon was verified using advanced satellite technology that has revolutionized our understanding of weather patterns. Randall Cerveny, WMO’s rapporteur for Weather and Climate Extremes, expressed the sheer power of nature when he stated, “This new record clearly demonstrates the incredible power of the natural environment.”

But just what is this megaflash phenomenon, and could we ever witness one Down Under? When you think of lightning, you might imagine jagged bolts striking the ground. However, lightning truly requires just two oppositely charged areas, which can exist between clouds themselves. This type of lightning, often referred to as “crawler lightning,” can move horizontally across the sky, rather than the more familiar vertical strikes.

Dr. Kerryn Hawke, an atmospheric scientist at Murdoch University, explains that while megaflashes look like standard lightning to the naked eye, they cover massive distances that can only be detected through satellite observation. The record-breaking megaflash in Texas surpassed the previous record of 768 kilometers, which also hailed from the southeastern United States. To generate such an incredible arc of lightning, you need extensive storm clouds with the right conditions to become electrically charged.

Dr. Hawke points out that these ideal storm systems, dubbed mesoscale convective systems, are more common in the US, which is why they have so many lightning records. Australia does have conditions that could foster megaflashes, particularly in its northwestern regions during the pre-monsoon season, where high temperatures and humidity combine to create powerful thunderstorms.

However, Dr. Rob Warren from the Bureau of Meteorology notes that while areas like the Top End and Kimberley regions are lightning hotspots, the type of massive thunderstorms seen in the US are less frequent here. Even eastern Australia could experience megaflashes when long squall lines come in from the west, but gaps often exist between storms, making it less likely to happen.

Interestingly, the technology used to detect such flashes is less advanced in Australia, which means we might not even be aware when a megaflash occurs. While the recent record-breaking event was identified during a review of satellite data, researchers suspect that areas like Africa, often overlooked in storm observations, may also be hiding their own megaflashes.

As our climate changes, the frequency and nature of lightning might also shift. Dr. Hawke notes that while it’s uncertain whether extreme lightning events will become more or less common, we do know that storms are becoming more intense. With this in mind, lightning safety becomes crucial. During thunderstorms, it’s best to stay indoors and follow protocols if you’re at a sporting event. If caught outside, find lower ground and adopt a 'lightning crouch' as a last resort.

The awe-inspiring nature of lightning is one of the many ways our planet reminds us of its raw power. The next time a storm rolls in, take a moment to appreciate the electrifying beauty of the sky — from a safe distance!