In recent years, lightning has been mischievous. It’s been showing up in places it has never been seen before and baffling scientists. 

As more and more studies come out, it seems lightning is highly adaptable and changing with the times.

As our climate warms, lightning has broadened its reach.

"A couple of years ago in 2019, we detected it just 32 miles from the North Pole. That’s not where you would expect to see lightning," said Vaisala’s Lightning Applications Manager, Chris Vagasky.

You would also not expect to see lightning setting records from a recent volcano eruption or for being the dominant feature of our strongest hurricanes as a lightning signature, but Chris Vagasky sees it all these days, including some crazy Texas-sized lightning.

"Texas is always going to be the big winner in terms of the overall number of lightning events. We see 30 to 40 to 50 million of those. So, potentially, up to a quarter of all events happen in Texas," said Vagasky.

And with 32 million acres of our Lone Star State currently under extreme drought conditions, when dry vegetation meets a 50,000-degree lightning channel, disaster can strike.

"Lightning triggers about half of the fires in the United States, but it causes wildfires that burn more acres because it’s usually in remote places, so it takes a while for a response to put those fires out," said Vagasky.

Even though lightning can get a bad rap and be dangerous, it can also rejuvenate plants and magically replenish our vegetation. Many people don’t know that side of lighting.

"Because it’s so powerful, it causes a lot of chemical reactions in the atmosphere and binds nitrogen and phosphorus and other elements together. It brings that down to the ground, which helps to green up the grass and help feed the plants,” said Vagasky.

So, check out your yard a day or two after our next lightning storm. You’ll be shocked by how green it is!

Storms can also put on quite a show. Just remember safety first.

"I like to be in a safe place where I can watch the lightning and enjoy it but not be afraid of getting struck or injured. So, I’m always in a metal-topped vehicle or inside when watching the lightning," said Vagasky.

At a safe distance, we can witness how lightning is ever-evolving.