[Steely Tom]

If it’s very cold, a lightning strike can sound like an explosion even if it’s far away.

[freedomson]

I’m in Troy and my friend heard it in Southfield. No way it was lightning.

[Does so]

If it’s very cold, a lightning strike can sound like an explosion even if it’s far away.

Cloud-to-ground lightning sounds like an explosion.

Cloud-to-cloud lightning can rumble-on for many satisfying seconds—especially if watched from behind sliding glass doors.