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dry lightning

British  

noun

  1. lightning produced by a thunderstorm that is unaccompanied by rain

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While more storms and moisture could help quell blazes, there is also the chance that a dry lightning storm could spark them, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

If virga occurs along with dry lightning, there is a risk of fires being sparked, she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2025

Those areas could see some isolated dry lightning during the storm.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2025

On Wednesday morning, forecasters were already tracking a storm that moved from the San Luis Obispo coast and moved onshore, bringing mostly dry lightning.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 17, 2025

Forecasters had warned that a “monsoonal surge” kicking off Saturday would bring a strong chance for thunderstorms that could create gusty winds, dangerous dry lightning and even some brief downpours.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 25, 2025

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