Skin Tingling Before Lightning: Myth or Warning Sign?

Skin tingling (paresthesia) is not a reliable predictor of an imminent lightning strike. While some anecdotal reports describe hair standing on end or tingling due to strong electric fields preceding a strike, this is:

• Inconsistent—not everyone experiences it
• Non-specific—can occur in high static environments without lightning
• Dangerous to rely on—by the time you feel it, you may be in the strike zone

What Actually Works

“When thunder roars, go indoors.”

• Seek substantial building or hard-topped metal vehicle immediately upon hearing thunder.
• Avoid open fields, isolated trees, water, metal objects.
• If caught outside: crouch low, feet together, minimize ground contact (last resort).

Tingling is a late, unreliable sign. Proactive shelter-seeking saves lives.