Scientists have found that when gusts of high-speed solar particles enter our atmosphere, the number of lightning bolts increases.

The research is published in the journal Environmental Research Letters.

Because solar activity is closely monitored by satellites, it may now be possible to forecast when these hazardous storms will hit.

Lead researcher Dr Chris Scott, from the University of Reading, said: “Lightning represents a significant hazard.

“There’s something like 24,000 people struck by lightning each year, so having any understanding or advanced warning of the severity of lightning storms has to be useful.”

[SOURCE](http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-27406358)