Is showering during thunderstorms dangerous? What are the odds of getting struck by lightning in the shower? We’ll discuss is it true not to shower during a thunderstorm, how to stay safe in a storm, and also give you some great weather learning resources and weather conditions lessons for all ages — whether you’re looking for weather elementary lessons, preschool art activities, or weather STEM lessons for high school ideas!

Showering During Thunderstorms Myths and Facts [Learning About Weather]

Is it really bad to shower during a thunderstorm?

So, should you not shower during a thunderstorm? Showering during thunderstorms or being in a bathtub during a thunderstorm is not highly dangerous, but it is not recommended. There have been cases of people being struck by lightning through a shower, while in the bathtub, or from a water faucet during storms. It is better to be safe than sorry and not take a bath during a thunder storm or shower during lightning storms. If you are in the shower and hear thunder, get out immediately. Do not wait until the storm is over!

Don’t miss our weather lesson activities below! Keep scrolling!

Have there been cases of people getting struck by lightning showering during a thunderstorm?

Yes, there are documented cases of people getting struck by lightning while showering during a thunderstorm, bathing during a storm, or from faucets / pipes. Lightning can strike people through water and other objects (like showerheads or faucets), so it is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Since the human body has a relatively low reason to attract voltage, it is not usually a target for lightning. However, if you are standing near a metal object such as a faucet or shower head, lightning can be attracted to it and move to you. This is why it is important to stay away from metal objects and water during a thunderstorm.

If you are caught in a thunderstorm while showering, it is best to finish your shower as quickly as possible and get out of the bathroom. Do not stand in any body of water, as this will also increase your risk of being struck by lightning.

How likely is it to get struck by lightning in the shower?

Documented cases of people getting struck by lightning while showering are relatively rare. In fact, the odds of being struck by lightning in any given year are about 1 in 500,000. So, while it is possible to be struck by lightning while showering during a thunderstorm, it is not very likely.

[National Weather Service]

Has anyone died from showering during thunderstorm?

In 2021, it was reported that there were five fatalities for people in water during a storm or near water during a storm. While none of these were people dying from lightning during a shower during a thunderstorm, they were people that were at the beach in water or near the water. As a comparison, your chances of dying from a bee or wasp sting is 1 in 57,825 and dying from a sharp object is 1 in 26,744.

[Weather.gov][National Safety Council]

Scientifically, can you get hurt showering during a thunderstorm?

The answer is yes, you can. If lightning were to strike near you, it could travel through the metal pipes or through water as a conductor and give you a potentially deadly shock. However, the chances of this happening are quite slim. So, while it is not impossible, it is highly unlikely that you will be hurt showering during a storm. That said, it is always best to err on the side of caution. If there is a thunderstorm going on outside, it might be best to avoid taking a shower altogether.

In the end, it is up to you whether or not you want to take the risk of showering during a thunderstorm. Just keep in mind that there is always a small chance of getting hurt. If you are at all uncomfortable with the idea, it might be best to just wait until the storm has passed.

What do you do during a thunderstorm?

Dos and Don’ts During a Thunderstorm:

• DO GO INSIDE. If you hear thunder, go inside! Lightning is nearby!
• DO NOT BE IN WATER. Don’t bathe, shower, wash dishes, or be near faucets during a storm.
• DO NOT USE ELECTRICAL DEVICES. Avoid using electrical devices and corded phones during thunderstorms.
• DO NOT SIT NEAR WINDOWS. If you are indoors and there is a lightning storm, it is safest to stay away from windows and electrical appliances.
• DO FIND A PLACE TO SHELTER. If you are outdoors, find a safe place to take shelter, preferably indoors or under a covered area.
• DO NOT SHELTER UNDER TREES. Lightning frequently strikes trees and can cause you danger.
• DO NOT TOUCH METAL OBJECTS IN YOUR CAR. If you are in a car, pull over and stay in the car. Do not touch metal objects, such as the door handle, during a lightning storm.
• DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND. If you are unable to find shelter, avoid open areas. While you can crouch down as low to the ground as possible, don’t lie flat on the ground because it just increases your surface area to be struck by lightning.
• DO NOT THINK YOU’RE SAFE JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN’T SEE LIGHTNING. Never underestimate the power of lightning and what and how it can travel.
• DO SET UP ALERTS AND WARNINGS. Download weather apps for your devices that will alert you to inclement weather.

Stay safe during thunderstorms by following these simple tips! Be sure to review thunderstorm safety with kids!

Let’s get to our lessons on weather for students — great classroom resources or for homeschooling and at-home learning!

Storm Activities and Weather Lessons for Kids

We have a little something for everyone when studying weather, thunderstorms, lightning and more — from weather lessons for elementary students and up, interactive weather lessons for kindergarten, weather video lessons, weather and climate lessons, and fun weather activity projects!

How do you teach kids about thunder and lightning?

• Get a simple explanation of lightning
• Learn how to time lightning and thunder (great for weather science lessons!)
• Do these weather science lessons for kindergarten and preschool
• Listen to a kids podcast that covers is it really dangerous to shower during a thunderstorm and other fun weather facts
• Do some online weather lessons
• Get a types of weather lesson plan 
• Complete lessons on weather and climate change or weather and climate geography lessons
• Use this book for extreme weather lessons
• Do lessons of weather forecast project
• Do a how’s the weather lesson plan for preschool (or even weather lessons for toddlers) with this fun daily calendar
• Learn about talking to your kids about scary weather and get a ton of weather resources

Children’s Books On Storms

• Tornado!: The Story Behind These Twisting, Turning, Spinning, and Spiraling Storms (National Geographic Kids)
• The Wonder Of Thunder: Lessons From A Thunderstorm 
• All About Weather: A First Weather Book for Kids
• National Geographic Kids Everything Weather: Facts, Photos, and Fun that Will Blow You Away
• STEM Starters for Kids Meteorology Activity Book: Packed with Activities and Meteorology Facts

Be sure to review showering during thunderstorms and thunderstorm safety with your kids as part of your weather learning!