Physicist Sarafanov explained whether phones and headphones are dangerous during a thunderstorm.

      August 6, 2026 12:49 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" - Anastasia Nazarova Wired headphones and mobile phones do not, by themselves, increase the likelihood of being struck by lightning; however, certain circumstances during a thunderstorm can indeed raise the risk for individuals. This was explained by Fedor Sarafanov, a candidate of physical and mathematical sciences and a researcher in the atmospheric physics and microwave diagnostics department of the Institute of Applied Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

      The conversation was prompted by a tragic incident that occurred at the end of July in the Nizhny Novgorod region. During a thunderstorm, a 62-year-old man who was herding cows in an open area was killed. According to relatives, his ear was completely burned, and wired headphones were found nearby. The man regularly used a wired headset and was always in contact with his daughter.

      As physicist Fedor Sarafanov explained, there is no scientific data indicating that mobile communication or the operation of a phone can attract lightning.

      "It happens that lightning strikes people with phones because almost everyone has them. Therefore, purely by chance, a lightning strike may coincide with a phone call," noted Fedor Sarafanov.

      At the same time, according to the scientist, indirect danger may arise from a person's behavior during a call. For example, in poor signal conditions, people may move to an open or higher location. This becomes a dangerous factor during a thunderstorm.

      "Under otherwise equal conditions, lightning more often strikes elevated objects. If there is a field around, the tallest object is the person," explained the physicist.

      As for wired headphones, they do not make a person a "magnet" for lightning either. However, any metal on the body can affect the severity of the consequences if a discharge occurs.

      "Headphones do not increase the likelihood of being struck by lightning. But they, like other metallic objects on the body, can increase the severity of burns if lightning strikes very close or directly at a person. There are known cases of localized burns from metal jewelry," the expert explained.

      For wireless headphones, this additional risk is virtually absent.

      The specialist also commented on the common belief about the danger of umbrellas during thunderstorms. According to him, it is not the object itself that is dangerous, but the situation when a person becomes the tallest object in an open space.

      "An umbrella over your head slightly increases the likelihood of being struck by lightning. However, it is not the umbrella itself that is dangerous, but any means by which one can become a taller object in an open field during a thunderstorm. For example, it is dangerous to walk with a fishing rod," concluded Fedor Sarafanov.

      NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When republishing, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+