How to explain thunder to a five years old?

2023 Jan 17

Thunder is the sound that happens when lightning strikes. Lightning is a big spark of electricity in the sky, and when it happens, it makes a loud noise that we call thunder. It’s like a big clap or boom that you hear after you see a flash of light in the sky. Sometimes thunder can be very loud and scary, but it’s just the sound of the lightning, and it’s nothing to be afraid of.

Thunder is caused by the rapid heating and cooling of the air around a lightning bolt. When lightning strikes, it heats up the air around it very quickly. This causes the air to expand rapidly, creating a loud sound wave that we hear as thunder. Think of it like a mini explosion in the sky!

When we see lightning and hear thunder, it means that a storm is happening. Storms can bring rain, wind, and sometimes even hail. But remember, thunder is just the sound of the storm, and it’s nothing to be afraid of. If you’re ever outside during a storm, it’s important to stay safe by going inside or finding shelter.