WMO Confirms Longest Lightning Megaflash on Record

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has officially recognized a lightning bolt that occurred on October 22, 2017, as the longest ever recorded, spanning 829 kilometers (515 miles) from eastern Texas to near Kansas City, Missouri. This 'megaflash' broke the previous record of 477 miles set in 2020 and was measured using advanced satellite technology, including NOAA's GOES-16 satellite. Megaflashes, which account for less than 1% of thunderstorms, are exceptionally rare and pose significant safety risks for aviation and public safety. The event took place within a massive mesoscale convective system, highlighting the capabilities of modern lightning detection. Scientists expect that ongoing improvements in satellite monitoring will reveal even longer lightning events in the future. The findings emphasize the power of extreme weather and the importance of continued advancements in early warning systems.