Clearing up a common concern many people have. Using mobile phones during thunderstorms. Does it really increase the risk of lightning strikes? Expert information is provided to understand the truth correctly.
During the rainy season with severe thunderstorms, many people receive warnings from elders not to use mobile phones during rain. This is believed to attract lightning strikes. This belief has been passed down since the early days of mobile phones becoming part of daily life, causing confusion about whether this prohibition is scientifically true or just a misconception.
Information from science and physics experts states that mobile phones are not lightning conductors. The electromagnetic waves emitted by mobile phones have very low energy and do not have the ability to induce electric currents from lightning strikes. Additionally, materials used in modern smartphones—plastic, glass, or small amounts of metal—are too minimal to attract electric charges from clouds.
Lightning occurs due to an imbalance of electric charges between clouds and the earth. Naturally, lightning seeks the highest points and best conductors to transfer charge to the ground, such as tall trees, electric poles, or open fields. People struck by lightning while holding mobile phones are usually in risky locations, like standing in open areas or under large trees during thunderstorms, rather than because of the phone itself.
Although using mobile phones during rain is not a direct cause of lightning strikes, certain behaviors related to using electrical devices during thunderstorms carry high risks and require caution.
Using mobile phones during rain is not a cause of lightning strikes; mobile phones are not lightning conductors. However, the true risk factor is the person's location. Being in an open area during a storm carries a high risk of harm. The most important safety measures are to avoid plugging in chargers during thunderstorms and to seek shelter indoors promptly for protection.