What is thunder?

I know my mother used to tell me it was the angels bowling, but we know it’s the result of lightning.

A bolt of lightning is extremely hot. The air within this channel has been estimated at over 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This heating takes place very rapidly causing air molecules to expand. The result is a series of compressions in the atmosphere that are produced because of the elasticity of the surrounding air. It is this audible shock wave that we call thunder.

Lightning is seen first and then the thunder follows afterwards because light travels faster than sound. But if you happen to be in the unpleasant position of being near a lightning strike, both the lightning and thunder will seem to happen simultaneously. A typical clap of thunder will register approximately 120 Dba (decibels), almost as loud as a jet engine.