Lightning Safety for Hikers

Thunderstorms are common on the Highveld in summer, with the rainy season from October to March bringing substantial afternoon storms, especially from November to January. For hikers, one lightning strike on an exposed ridge is one too many.

Even the first thunder rumble means lightning may be close enough to strike. The "30-30 rule" says that when you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder - and if that’s 30 seconds or less, you should move immediately to a safer place. The same guidance says that if you cannot see the lightning, just hearing the thunder means lightning may be within striking range.

If the storm happens while you are out hiking, the first priority is to get off ridges, summits, and open fields. These are the most exposed places, and should be left as soon as a storm approaches. The advice is to move to a lower point, but not a valley bottom, as valleys can collect water. You should stay away from tall isolated trees, metal objects, water, and wet ropes. It’s also important to spread any hiking group out if you’re caught in a storm, so that a single strike doesn’t hit multiple people.

The old advice to squat in a "lightning position" with your feet together is no longer recommended, as it gives little real protection. Instead, aim to get off any high or exposed ground, and holding in place is not a guarantee of safety.

If someone is struck by lightning, the first concern is checking both pulse and breathing.

In practical terms, a South African hiker crossing exposed ground in summer should assume a significant risk of lightning, especially in the late afternoons from November to January. Track your progress, and have a weather eye up for that first thunder rumble. At the earliest sign of a storm coming, move to a lower point on any exposed ascent. If the storm breaks open, evacuate any exposed ground, and do not move on again until 30 minutes after the last thunder.