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What color is lightning?

Lightning takes on a range of colors, depending on conditions in the clouds and in the air.

Blue lightning within a cloud indicates the presence of hail.

Red lightning within a cloud indicates the presence of rain.

Yellow or orange lightning occurs when there is a large concentration of dust in the air.

White lightning is a sign of low humidity (amount of moisture in the air). White is the color of lightning that most often ignites forest fires.

Sources: Burroughs, William J., et. al. The Nature Company Guides: Weather, p. 240; Field, Frank. Doctor Frank Field's Weather Book, p. 201.

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