Scientists compared lightning from 16 major eruptions between 2010 and 2024 and found it usually peaked 0.5 to 2 hours after the first flash, averaging 1.1 hours, while wider ash plumes kept it going longer

Asia-Pacific Science Fri, 16 Oct 2026 04:40:58 GMT Moderate confidence — 73/100

Image AI generatedExplosive volcanic eruptions often come with intense electrical activity, known as volcanogenic lightning.
The team analysed 16 eruptions with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 4 or above between 2010 and 2024.
They used detections from the World-Wide Lightning Location Network and precipitation estimates from the Global Precipitation Measurement mission.

Image AI generatedExplosive volcanic eruptions often come with intense electrical activity, known as volcanogenic lightning.
The team analysed 16 eruptions with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 4 or above between 2010 and 2024.
They used detections from the World-Wide Lightning Location Network and precipitation estimates from the Global Precipitation Measurement mission.

Sources: Times of India