Brazil recorded the biggest lightning strike in the world, with 709 kilometers

The biggest lightning strike in the world was recorded in Brazil, with an extension of 709 kilometers, informed the World Meteorological Organization, when recognizing the record.

The ray in question occurred on October 31, 2018 and covered 709 kilometers on a horizontal line, crossing part of southern Brazil.

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the extent of electrical discharge equals the distance “between London and the Swiss border”.

The previous record had been registered in 2007 in Oklahoma, in the United States, with a radius of 321 kilometers of extension.

The new record was set due to new satellite imaging technology. However, according to WMO, both the previous and the new register used the same methodology to measure the extent of the lightning.

“These are extraordinary records of unique lightning events. Environmental extremes are living measurements of what nature is capable of, as well as of scientific progress capable of making such assessments. There are likely to be even greater extremes, and we can observe them at as lightning detection technology improves, “said Professor Randall Cerveny, WMO’s chief rapporteur on meteorology and climatic and climatic extremes.

“This will provide valuable information (…) on engineering, scientific and security issues,” he added.

In addition to the record set in Brazil, WMO also reported that the longest lightning strike (16.73 seconds) occurred in Argentina, on March 4, 2019.

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