Bangladesh, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, is witnessing a troubling rise in lightning-related deaths. Scientists point to a strong link between increased lightning activity and worsening air pollution, much of which is carried in from across its borders.

A new study, which analyzed six years of lightning and air quality data (2015-20), has found a strong correlation between lightning frequency and elevated concentrations of airborne dust and sulfate particles. These pollutants peak during the pre-monsoon months, particularly April and May — also the time when lightning strikes are most frequent.

“We identified two major pollutants — dust and sulfate — that help create the right conditions for more lightning during Bangladesh’s pre-monsoon season,” says Ashraf Dewan, co-author of the study and an associate professor at Australia’s Curtin University.

He explains that these pollutants act alongside atmospheric factors like Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE), altering how clouds form and making it easier for electrical charges to build up inside storm clouds, ultimately leading to more lightning.

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