Lightning is caused by a discharge of electrical energy that has built up in the clouds.
Thunder is caused by the lightning. When lightning strikes, it superheats the air around it to about 50,000 degrees. The air immediately starts to cool. This causes rapid expansion and contraction of the air around it creates a tremendous sound that we call thunder.
Thunder is always heard a couple seconds after the lightning is seen because light travels much much faster than sound.
Lightning and thunder can happen almost anywhere, although less likely in places like Alaska.
Lightning can make the sky look cool, but it can also pose dangers. If it hits electrical lines, it could cause a power surge. That would damage the power lines and electronics if a house doesn't have a surge protector.
Thunder is caused by the lightning. When lightning strikes, it superheats the air around it to about 50,000 degrees. The air immediately starts to cool. This causes rapid expansion and contraction of the air around it creates a tremendous sound that we call thunder.
Thunder is always heard a couple seconds after the lightning is seen because light travels much much faster than sound.
Lightning and thunder can happen almost anywhere, although less likely in places like Alaska.
Lightning can make the sky look cool, but it can also pose dangers. If it hits electrical lines, it could cause a power surge. That would damage the power lines and electronics if a house doesn't have a surge protector.
Source:http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=what-causes-thunder