Hobbies And Interests
Home  >> Science & Nature >> Nature

How to Calculate the Distance to a Thunderstorm

Thunderstorms can be dangerous, so it is always a good idea to be aware of their approach. If you have ever noticed a flash of lightning and, a few seconds later, heard the rumble of thunder, you've already assembled all the tools you need to estimate the distance to the storm.

Things You'll Need

  • Watch with timer (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Begin counting seconds immediately after observing a flash of lightning. It takes about one second to say four syllables, so count by saying "One thousand one, one thousand two ..." Alternatively, use a stopwatch.

    • 2

      Stop counting when you hear the thunderclap. The more distant the lightning, the less like a "Boom!" the thunder will sound.

    • 3

      Divide the number of seconds counted between lightning and thunder by 5. The result is an approximate distance, in miles, to the lightning bolt.


https://www.htfbw.com © Hobbies And Interests