Wednesday, August 19th 2026
On days with high temperatures and strong atmospheric changes, storms can appear suddenly and be accompanied by lightning.
For this reason, one of the most important rules is not to wait for the start of rain to seek shelter. Lightning can strike even when the rain has not yet started.
The first signs of a strong storm are often very vertically developed clouds, known as cumulonimbus.
The most dangerous situations are created especially during days with high heat and humidity. In mountainous areas, ridges, peaks and exposed spaces are particularly dangerous.
If you are in the mountains and there are signs of a storm, you should descend as soon as possible to a more protected area.
An important indicator is thunder. Lightning can be seen from great distances, especially at night, while thunder is heard only when the storm is relatively close.
If you hear thunder, it means that it is no longer the time to continue outdoor activity. The safest shelter is an enclosed building.
If one is not available, a vehicle with closed doors and windows can provide good protection. The metal structure of the machine helps to conduct the current to the ground; protection is not associated with tires, as is often believed.
If there is no shelter, one should avoid staying at the highest point of the area. Lone trees, poles, fences and other exposed objects can increase the risk.
It is especially important not to stand near an isolated tree. In the mountains, if shelter is not possible, contact with the ground should be minimized.
It is better to stand with the feet together and not to sit or lie on the ground. If you are in a group, keeping your distance from each other reduces the chance of a single shock affecting several people.
Contact with metal objects such as fences, railings and other conductive structures should also be avoided. The same applies to some metal elements of camping tents.
Water is also a good conductor of electricity. For this reason, during a storm, the sea, lakes, swimming pools and other water areas should be avoided.
The beach is particularly exposed, as it combines open space with the presence of water and tall objects, such as umbrellas or fishing rods.
Even inside the house, care should be taken. During a severe storm it is recommended to avoid appliances connected to the electrical grid, and when possible, unplug them. Because lightning can transmit energy through electrical wiring.
The storm is not immediately considered over as soon as the rain stops. The rule of thumb is to wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunderstorm before exiting a safe shelter.
Above all, the key is to react in time. Lightning does not always warn of heavy rainfall, so the first signs of a storm should be enough to seek shelter. tesheshi.com
Source: prizrenpost
