Lightning monitoring and detection techniques: Progress and challenges in South Africa

Maqsooda Mahomed; Alistair D. Clulow; Sheldon Strydom; Michael J. Savage; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi

doi:10.17159/sajs.2021/7020

Authors

Maqsooda Mahomed Centre for Water Resources Research, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1869-2722
Alistair D. Clulow 1.Centre for Water Resources Research, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; 2.Discipline of Agrometeorology, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8803-8780
Sheldon Strydom 1.Discipline of Agrometeorology, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; 2.Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, Mafikeng, South Africa http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5006-2029
Michael J. Savage Discipline of Agrometeorology, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6108-0874
Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi 1.Centre for Water Resources Research, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal; 2.Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9323-8127

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2021/7020

Keywords:

climate, climate change, extreme weather, lightning activity, rural communities

Abstract

Globally, lightning causes significant injury, death, and damage to infrastructure annually. In comparison to the rest of the world, South Africa has one of the highest incidences of lightning-related injuries and deaths. The latest available lightning detection techniques and technologies are reviewed and include current research in South Africa and South Africa’s lightning detection challenges. Technological advances have contributed towards improving lightning detection and monitoring activities in many countries. South Africa has made considerably more progress in the field of lightning research than other African countries and possesses one of the three ground-based lightning detection networks in the southern hemisphere. However, despite these developments, rural communities in South Africa, and indeed in Africa, remain vulnerable to lightning, the occurrence of which is predicted to increase with climate change. A large proportion of the population of African countries resides in rural areas, where citizens participate in subsistence farming, and built infrastructure is not lightning safe. We recommend a call for the integration of indigenous and scientific knowledge as well as for the development of a participatory early warning system. Investigations into determining the most effective way to utilise existing monitoring networks – but with warning dissemination to rural communities – are also required. Lastly, future research on the development of lightning-safe rural dwellings or shelters, especially in lightning prone areas, is needed.

Significance:

Climate change projections of increases in lightning incidence highlight an increased risk for vulnerable communities.
There is a lack of literature focusing on lightning detection within rural communities.
Technological advances now allow for better dissemination of lightning information and early warning within rural communities.
The South African Lightning Detection Network is operational at a national level; however, there is no dissemination at a local level.
There are currently no recommended design guidelines for informal dwellings and no safety protocols for rural communities.