2 Record-Breaking , Bolts of Lightning , Occurred in 2020.<br />According to the World Meteorological Organization <br />(WMO), two new world records were set <br />for megaflashes of lightning in 2020. .<br />MSN reports that on April 20, 2020, <br />the world's longest single flash of lightning <br />was recorded across the southern United States. .<br />The record-breaking bolt <br />traveled an incredible horizontal <br />distance of over 477 miles. .<br />That distance is the equivalent of traveling <br />from New York City to Columbus, Ohio. .<br />The previous record was <br />recorded in Brazil back in 2018. .<br />That bolt registered at over 440 miles long. .<br />According to the WMO, another record was set <br />for the longest duration of a single lightning flash. .<br />On June 18, 2020, a single bolt was clocked <br />at persisting for over 17 seconds over Uruguay <br />and parts of northern Argentina. .<br />These are extraordinary records from <br />single lightning flash events. It is likely <br />that even greater extremes still exist, <br />and that we will be able to observe them <br />as lightning detection technology improves, Professor Randall Cerveny, Rapporteur of Weather <br />and Climate Extremes for WMO, via 'The Independent'.<br />These are extraordinary records from <br />single lightning flash events. It is likely <br />that even greater extremes still exist, <br />and that we will be able to observe them <br />as lightning detection technology improves, Professor Randall Cerveny, Rapporteur of Weather <br />and Climate Extremes for WMO, via 'The Independent'.<br />Lightning is a major hazard <br />that claims many lives every year. <br />The findings highlight important <br />public lightning safety concerns <br />for electrified clouds where flashes <br />can travel extremely large distances, Professor Petteri Taalas, WMO Secretary-General, via 'The Independent'.<br />Lightning is a major hazard <br />that claims many lives every year. <br />The findings highlight important <br />public lightning safety concerns <br />for electrified clouds where flashes <br />can travel extremely large distances, Professor Petteri Taalas, WMO Secretary-General, via 'The Independent'
