Does Thunder Come from Clouds?

Thunder is caused by the rapid expansion of the air surrounding the path of a lightning bolt. ... From the clouds to a nearby tree or roof, a lightning bolt takes only a few thousandths of a second to split through the air. The loud thunder that follows the lightning bolt is commonly said to come from the bolt itself.

Does lightning come from the clouds?

When and where does lightning most frequently strike? Lightning comes from a parent cumulonimbus cloud. These thunderstorm clouds are formed wherever there is enough upward air motion, convective instability, and moisture to produce a deep cloud that reaches up to levels colder than freezing.

What clouds create thunder?

Cumulonimbus clouds are menacing looking multi-level clouds, extending high into the sky in towers or plumes. More commonly known as thunderclouds, cumulonimbus is the only cloud type that can produce hail, thunder and lightning.