Why are Thunderstorms Rare in the UK?

The author observes a stark difference in thunderstorm frequency between Spain and the UK. The article explains thunderstorm formation: warm, moist air rises, colliding with cooler air, creating convection. Water droplets freeze into ice crystals, leading to charge separation and ultimately, lightning and thunder. Lightning's color stems from incandescence at high temperatures and luminescence from excited nitrogen. The article concludes that thunderstorms require warm, humid conditions, which are less common in the UK's higher latitude and cooler climate.