Air pollution increases thunderstorm danger

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Alexander Krivenyshev from Manhattan, New York, caught a thunderstorm on June 26, 2024. He wrote: “Multiple lightning strikes were seen shooting across the Manhattan skyline during severe thunderstorm on June 26 (single photo).” Thank you, Alexander. Research now suggests that air pollution can help create stronger thunderstorms.

• Air pollution is making thunderstorms more lightning-prone, according to researchers at James Madison University.
• Tiny particles of pollution act as cloud nuclei.