Britain recorded around 29,000 lightning strikes in a single night last week, as intense thunderstorms swept across the south of England following days of high heat and humidity, while London Fire Brigade responded to roughly 400 incidents overnight, including house fires believed to have been caused by direct strikes.
The pattern has continued with schools and other buildings across the country reporting lightning damage to electrical systems in the days since, forcing temporary closures while repairs are carried out.
The science behind it is straightforward. A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, roughly 7% more for every 1°C of warming. That extra moisture fuels the towering storm clouds that generate lightning. As heatwaves become more frequent across the UK, the thunderstorms that follow them are becoming more frequent too.
With another heatwave forecast in the coming days, leading building compliance specialist PTSG is urging building owners and duty holders to check that their lightning protection systems are functioning correctly and that any outstanding remedial works have been completed.
Cara Batey, Sales Director for PTSG Electrical Services, explains: “A lightning protection system that hasn’t been tested recently is more than a formality. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about protecting lives by ensuring a lightning strike can be safely dissipated.
“We’re seeing the same pattern every summer now. Hotter days build up the energy, then the storms release it all at once. A well-maintained lightning protection system is designed to reduce the risk of damage from a strike, and regular testing gives you the best chance of catching a fault before it becomes a failure. If it’s been more than 12 months since your last inspection, now is the time to get it checked.”
PTSG Electrical Services is the largest of PTSG’s five divisions and is one of the UK’s leading electrical compliance contractors. It’s lightning protection heritage dates back to 1835 through JW Gray, believed to be the oldest trading provider of its kind in the UK, and possibly in Europe.
For more information contact saleselectricaldivision@ptsg.co.uk
