SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drone-vivid-lightning-severe-storm

What does vivid and frequent lightning tell you about a thunderstorm?

It is probably a severe thunderstorm.

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  1. The storm is ending
  2. The storm is far away and harmless
  3. The storm is probably severe ✔

Why: The AIM's thunderstorm advice says vivid, frequent lightning points to a severe thunderstorm. Lightning can also strike aircraft flying in clear air near a storm.

Huh, didn't know that: Aircraft lightning strikes are most likely where the temperature is between minus 5 and plus 5 degrees C.

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What did the lightning bolt say to the other? You're shocking!
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References

Answer: The storm is probably severe. The AIM's thunderstorm advice says vivid, frequent lightning points to a severe thunderstorm. Lightning can also strike aircraft flying in clear air near a storm.

  1. Aeronautical Information Manual 7-1-27, Thunderstorm Flying www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap7_section_1.html
    Do remember that vivid and frequent lightning indicates the probability of a severe thunderstorm.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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