Lightning is an extraordinary natural phenomenon that can heat the surrounding air to temperatures of around 30,000°C, making it five times hotter than the Sun's surface temperature of 5,500°C. This intense heat occurs during a rapid electrical discharge in storm clouds, which builds up when particles like ice and water collide, creating an electric charge imbalance. When this imbalance is released, it can occur within clouds, between clouds, or from clouds to the ground. The sudden energy release heats the air instantly, causing it to expand rapidly and produce the sound of thunder. Lightning strikes are more common than many realize, occurring at a rate of about 40 to 50 strikes per second globally, resulting in millions of strikes each day. Although lightning is often seen as a dangerous force, it plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping plants absorb nutrients from the soil.