Dry lightning

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Dry lightning is a term which is used to refer to thunderstorms which produce no rain that reaches the ground. The term is a technical misnomer since lightning is obviously not wet in any instance, and also because the thunderstorms which are so named actually do produce precipitation, although it does not reach the ground. Such thunderstorms are most common in the western portion of the United States during the summer. They occur when the rain produced by thunderstorms falls through a substantial layer of very dry air which evaporates the precipitation before it reaches the ground.

Dry lightning thunderstorms are notable for two other reasons: they are the most common natural cause of wildland fires, and they can produce strong gusty winds at the surface.

[edit] See also

• Heat lightning
• Microburst
• Dust storm
• Bolt from the blue

[edit] References

• Forecasting Dry Lightning in the Western United States Miriam Rorig, Sue Ferguson, and Steven McKay USDA Forest Service
• Dry Lightning