I've noticed that during British lightning storms, I have only ever seen sheet lightning
However, on holiday in other countries, I frequently see Forked Lightning
Q) Is this just caused by cloud, or is it two distinct forms of lightning?
Q) Is there a reason Britain only seems to get the sheet kind?
Best Answer
Sheet lightning is just lightning where you can't see the strike because there is cloud in the way - the phenomena is the same.
Lightning storms occur in Britain in regular rain storms, so along with lots of cloud which hide the strike. In places further inland the storms are associated with hot air rising over plains, so less clouds to hide the strike and so a more photogenic result.