Tall objects such as trees and skyscrapers are more likely than the surrounding ground to produce one😄 of the connecting sparks and so are more likely to be struck by lightning. Mountains also make good targets. However,😄 this does not always mean tall objects will be struck.

The lightning discharge heats the air rapidly and causes it to😄 expand. The temperature of the air in the lightning channel may reach as high as 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, 5 times😄 hotter than the surface of the sun. Immediately after the flash, the air cools and contracts quickly.