What is lightning and what happens when it strikes?

Answer 1

Lightning is an atmospheric discharge of electricity accompanied by thunder, which typically occurs during thunderstorms, and sometimes during volcanic eruptions or dust storms.In the atmospheric electrical discharge, a leader of a bolt of lightning can travel at speeds of 60,000 m/s (130,000 mph), and can reach temperatures approaching 30,000 °C (54,000 °F), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning

Answer 2

Lightning is a sudden electrostatic discharge produced during a thunderstorm. When it strikes, it heats the air to temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun, causing the surrounding air to rapidly expand and create a shockwave that we hear as thunder. Lightning can also damage structures, start fires, and harm living creatures if they are in its path.