7. The Global Distribution of Red Lightning
Although red lightning might theoretically strike anyplace on Earth where strong thunderstorms form, studies have revealed a clear worldwide pattern for these events. Knowing where red lightning most likely to strike gives important information on the atmospheric conditions that support their development and facilitates the prediction and observation of these infrequent occurrences.
Red lightning is most often seen over land areas with strong thunderstorm activity, studies have found. The areas with highest occurrence rates are the central United States, sections of South America (especially the Amazon Basin), Central Africa, and Southeast Asia. Frequent and strong convective activity in these regions defines them and provides the required environment for the formation of strong electrical storms sufficient to induce red lightning.
Fascinatingly, red lightning has also been seen over maritime areas, especially in locations noted for strong activity of tropical storms. Sometimes the very strong electrical fields needed for the creation of red lightning come from the eyewalls of hurricanes and typhoons, creating amazing displays above these enormous storm systems.
Red lightning occurrences are distributed in part by seasonal fluctuations. Red lightning is more frequent in temperate climates in the summer when thunderstorm activity is highest. Although red lightning may be more equally spread over the year in tropical regions, it can nevertheless exhibit some seasonal patterns linked to monsoon cycles or other major weather events.