how can you tell how far away thunder is

To determine how far away thunder is, you can use a simple method called the “flash-to-bang” method. Here’s how it works:

1. When you see a lightning flash, start counting the seconds immediately.
2. When you hear the thunder, stop counting.
3. Divide the number of seconds by 5 to get the distance in miles (or divide by 3 to get the distance in kilometers).

This method works because light travels much faster than sound. When you see a lightning flash, it means the lightning has already occurred, and the light has traveled to your location almost instantly. However, the sound of the thunder takes longer to reach you, depending on how far away the lightning is.

Here’s a rough guide to help you estimate the distance:

* 5 seconds or less: The thunder is within 1 mile (1.6 kilometers)
* 10-15 seconds: The thunder is within 2-3 miles (3.2-4.8 kilometers)
* 30 seconds: The thunder is within 6 miles (9.7 kilometers)
* 1 minute or more: The thunder is 10 miles (16 kilometers) or more away

Keep in mind that this method is not always accurate, as the speed of sound can be affected by factors like wind direction, temperature, and humidity. However, it’s a useful rough estimate to help you gauge the distance of a thunderstorm.