During a summer day, the Sun warms up the surface of the planet Earth. As the air above the surface begins to heat up, it starts to rise. The moisture condenses and forms clouds. Sometimes, particles with different static electrical charges can accumulate near different parts of the cloud. This static electricity is discharged in the form of lightning.

There are two types of lighting. Cloud lightning occurs inside the thundercloud, whereas ground lightning takes place between the thundercloud and the ground.

The electric charge of a thundercloud is extremely strong. When this charge is released, the air becomes extremely warm. The sudden heating up of air creates the flash of light that can be distinguished as a bolt of lightning and the explosive sound of thunder.