Ask the Times

By TIMES WIRES
Published August 15, 2007

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Is it true there is no lightning in Hawaii?

- Cheryl Bateman, Clearwater

Lightning occurs in Hawaii, but infrequently because fewer thunderstorms form near Pacific islands. Heating of low-lying air is crucial to storm formation, and the oceans moderate the heating of that low-lying air. From 1997 to 2006, Hawaii had no deaths from lightning strikes. Florida led the nation with 71 deaths.

Compiled from Times staff and wires. To submit a question, e-mail answers@tampabay.com or call 727 893-8179, toll-free, 1-800-333-7505, ext. 8179.