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What is the temperature of a lightning bolt?

A lightning bolt reaches temperatures on the order of tens of thousands of kelvin—roughly 30,000 K (about 27,700°C or ~50,000°F). Estimates commonly span from around 25,000–30,000 K up to about 50,000 K in localized areas.

Lightning is a rapid electrical discharge that ionizes air into a glowing plasma. The temperature of this plasma is not uniform along the channel and is inferred from indirect measurements rather than direct probes in nature. While the visible flash is brief, the underlying physics involves extreme heat and energy transfer that make the channel far hotter than common flames or the surface of the Sun.

Typical temperature ranges and what they mean

To give a sense of the range, researchers often cite values in kelvin, with conversions to Celsius and Fahrenheit for context.

Before presenting the commonly cited ranges, note that actual temperatures can vary along the bolt’s length and during different phases of the discharge.

Approximately 25,000–30,000 kelvin (about 24,700–29,700°C; 44,500–53,500°F).

In some observations or localized regions along the channel, temperatures near 50,000 kelvin (about 49,700°C; ~89,700°F) have been suggested.

Overall, the hottest parts of the plasma channel reach tens of thousands of kelvin, with substantial spatial variation.

In sum, lightning temperatures are exceptionally high—much hotter than everyday flames and significantly hotter than the visible surface of the Sun—though precise values depend on where and when along the discharge you measure.

How scientists determine lightning temperatures

Direct measurement of a natural lightning bolt’s temperature is not feasible, so scientists rely on indirect methods to estimate the plasma’s heat.

Before listing the techniques, it helps to understand that multiple methods are used to triangulate temperature from light and motion rather than from direct contact.

Spectroscopic analysis of the emitted light from the plasma, using line strengths and distributions to infer electron temperature and excitation levels.

Infrared and optical imaging to assess radiative heat and the evolution of the plasma channel over time.

Analysis of shock waves and rapid air expansion produced by the discharge to constrain energy release and thermal effects.

These methods collectively support the conclusion that lightning temperatures lie in the tens of thousands of kelvin range, with local extremes and measurement uncertainties shaping the exact numbers.

Summary

Lightning bolts reach temperatures on the order of tens of thousands of kelvin, with commonly cited values around 30,000 K and possible localized peaks near 50,000 K. This makes the plasma channel far hotter than ordinary flames and the Sun’s visible surface, though precise temperatures vary along the discharge and are established through spectral and dynamic analysis rather than direct measurement.

What is the temperature of the air around a lightning bolt?

around 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit
Energy from a lightning channel heats the air briefly to around 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, much hotter than the surface of the sun. This causes the air to explode outward.

What is the 30 30 30 rule for lightning?

The 30/30 rule is a lightning safety guideline that says if you can count 30 seconds or less between seeing a flash of lightning and hearing thunder, you should seek shelter immediately. Once you are in a safe location, stay there for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.

Step 1: Seek shelter

When you see lightning, start counting the seconds until you hear thunder.
If the time is 30 seconds or less, it means the storm is close and you are at risk.
Find shelter in a sturdy, enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle.
Avoid open fields, trees, water, metal objects, and tents.

Step 2: Wait for the all-clear

Stay in your safe shelter for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder.
Lightning can strike miles away from the main storm, even when the skies appear clear.
Do not resume outdoor activities until 30 minutes have passed since the last thunder was heard.

Can a human withstand a lightning bolt?

Yes, you can survive a lightning strike, with approximately 90% of victims surviving. However, many survivors experience serious, long-lasting injuries like burns, chronic pain, neurological damage, memory loss, and psychological issues. The most survivable types of strikes are indirect ones, where the lightning hits a nearby object and a portion of the current jumps to the victim.
How survival is possible

Indirect strikes: Most people are not directly hit. Indirect strikes, such as side-flashes (when lightning jumps from a nearby object) or ground currents (when lightning spreads out on the ground), are more survivable.
Surface flashover: The human body can sometimes have a "surface flashover," where the majority of the current travels along the skin's surface rather than through the body's internal tissues.
Low survivability of direct strikes: A direct strike is far more dangerous, but many people who are directly hit still survive.

Immediate dangers and after-effects

Cardiac arrest: A lightning strike can cause a person's heart to stop, and immediate CPR is crucial.
Neurological damage: Survivors frequently suffer neurological issues, including memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and chronic pain.
Burns: Lightning can cause burns, including a distinctive pattern on the skin from the flashover effect.
Hearing and vision loss: The force of the blast can damage eyes (causing cataracts) and ears.

What to do if someone is struck

Call 911 immediately.
The victim is not a risk for electrocution, so it is safe to touch them.
If you are trained, begin CPR if the person's heart or breathing has stopped.
Move the victim to a safer location if possible.

How hot is a bolt of lightning?

A bolt of lightning can reach temperatures of approximately 50,000°F (27,800°C27 comma 800 degrees cap C27,800°𝐶), which is about five times hotter than the surface of the sun. This intense heat is generated in a fraction of a second, causing the surrounding air to expand explosively and create the sound of thunder.

Temperature: Lightning can heat the air it passes through to about 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit (27,800°C27 comma 800 degrees cap C27,800°𝐶).
Comparison to the sun: The sun's surface is around $10,000$°F (5,500°C5 comma 500 degrees cap C5,500°𝐶), making a lightning bolt's core five times hotter than the sun's surface.
Cause of thunder: The rapid heating causes the air to expand so quickly that it creates a shock wave, which we hear as thunder.
Effect on objects: This intense heat can instantly vaporize water in its path, causing objects like trees to explode or bark to be blown off.

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Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.