Key West averages 64 days per year with thunderstorms with August averaging 14 and July 13 as the 2 most active months for thunderstorms in the Keys. Thunderstorms can occur in any month of the year in the Keys. The Keys often have the first 2 ingredients but sometimes lack the necessary lift. This is one reason why the Keys do not average as many thunderstorms or as much rainfall as the Florida mainland. With a high frequency of thunderstorms in the Keys, it is important to remember that all thunderstorms can be dangerous.
Lightning occurs with all thunderstorms and is very dangerous.
Water and ice particles in the thunderstorm also affect the distribution of electrical charge. Lightning results from the buildup and discharge of electrical energy between positively and negatively charged areas. The average lightning strike has enough energy to light a 100 watt bulb for 3 months. The air near a lightning strike is heated to near 50,000 F, hotter than the surface of the sun. Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors.