Contents
Introduction
Are you aware of the hidden dangers that come with the Full Thunder Moon in July? While it may seem like a beautiful celestial event, this full moon brings with it a startling increase in thunderstorms and lightning strikes. In this article, we will explore why the Full Thunder Moon can be a surprisingly dangerous time of the year and how you can protect yourself during this period.
July 2024 Moon Details
The Full Moon for this month will occur on Sunday, July 21st. However, the New Moon is earlier in the month on Friday, July 5th.
The Full Thunder Moon of July
July’s full moon is known as the Full Thunder Moon, a name derived from the frequent thunderstorms that roll in during early summer. The warm, humid air rising from the ground to the colder parts of our atmosphere creates the perfect conditions for thunderstorms to form. However, this increase in thunderstorms comes with a heightened risk of lightning strikes, making it a dangerous time of the year.
Did you know that you are more likely to get struck by lightning twice in your lifetime than win the Powerball lottery? Shockingly, most lightning fatalities occur during the summer months when the Full Thunder Moon takes center stage. As people engage in outdoor activities, they become more exposed to the frequent thunder and lightning strikes that happen during this period. While it’s common knowledge to avoid trees and bodies of water during thunderstorms, these precautions alone are not enough.
Lightning Safety Tips
According to experts, the moment you hear thunder, regardless of how safe you think you are, you should immediately seek shelter inside a safe building. Lightning can strike from up to 10 miles away, and there is no protection when you are outdoors. Wearing rubber soles or crouching down low won’t prevent lightning from harming you. In fact, lying down on the ground makes you even more vulnerable to electrical currents traveling through the earth.
If you find yourself caught outdoors with no access to a safe building, there is an alternative option. Taking shelter in a completely closed, all-metal car is a viable choice, as long as you avoid touching any metal surfaces. Open areas such as fields should be avoided at all costs. Keep moving as quickly as possible until you reach proper shelter. If you are part of a group, spread out so that if one person gets struck, the others can provide immediate help, including emergency CPR.
Stay Safe Indoors
While being indoors may seem like the safest option during a thunderstorm, it’s important to take additional precautions. Stay far away from plumbing, metal objects, electronic devices, and equipment, as well as anything that conducts electricity. Avoid windows and doors at all costs. Even concrete walls and floors are not completely safe, as they contain metal rods that can conduct electricity. Never lean against concrete walls or come into contact with concrete floors. Remember, the risk of a lightning strike remains for 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning or peal of thunder.
Educate Yourself and Protect Others
The Full Thunder Moon provides an opportunity for you to brush up on your lightning safety knowledge and educate others as well. Take advantage of this time to observe deer, whose velvety antlers are growing out during this period, which is why July’s full moon is also known as the Full Buck Moon. However, always ensure that you take the necessary safety precautions before heading outdoors.
Stay informed by monitoring the weather daily and have backup plans for shelter if you are venturing outdoors. Remember, safety applies both indoors and outdoors. Take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others during this dangerous time, and enjoy the beauty of the Full Thunder Moon with peace of mind.