California saw an exceptional number of lightning events this summer, with nearly 80,000 strikes recorded between June and August, ranking third-highest in state history. Dry thunderstorms delivered thousands of strikes overnight in early September, sparking multiple wildfires in already parched regions like the Central Valley and East Bay. Experts and scientists warn that climate change is increasing both heatwaves and the frequency of lightning, elevating the risk of future wildfires in the state.