Citation

Byard RW. Med. Sci. Law 2023; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, British Academy of Forensic Sciences, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/00258024231169230

PMID

37041741

Abstract

Thunderstorms refer to atmospheric disturbances that are associated with electrical discharges in the form of lightning, with acoustic effects from thunder. They involve the rapid upward movement of warm, moist air which then cools and condenses creating typical cumulonimbus clouds with precipitation. Thunderstorms range in severity but are usually associated with heavy rains, winds and sometimes sleet, hail and snow. If the intensity of a storm increases there may be tornadoes or cyclones. In cases with lightning strikes and minimal or no rain there is an associated risk for the development of quite devastating wild (bush) fires. Lightning strikes may also be associated with the development, or an exacerbation, of potentially lethal natural cardiac or respiratory diseases.

Language: en

Keywords

death; asthma; cyclones; lightning; Thunder storms; wildfires