Fact or Fiction: Can You Shower During a Thunderstorm?

One thing people love to do is debunk an old wives’ tale. It’s important to study traditional beliefs to see if there’s any truth to them or anything we can do to improve our own understanding. 

A common question is, “Can you shower during a thunderstorm?” That’s an interesting one with a few caveats. Let’s explore the dynamics of a thunderstorm first to understand what’s happening in the atmosphere before diving into the dangers. 

Can You Shower During a Thunderstorm?

You can, of course, shower during a thunderstorm. Many of us have. But it’s not recommended to run any water – especially through metal piping – when lightning strikes are in the area. 

Below, we’ll break down the dynamics of a storm to illustrate how anything that carries an electrical current can become an instrument of danger. 

Dynamics of a Storm

Regular thunderstorms may only carry moderate winds and rain. Severe thunderstorms, however, are accompanied by lightning and thunder, and may include sustained, heavy winds and hail. 

Lightning is an electrostatic discharge that occurs between electrically charged regions of a cloud, between two clouds, or between a cloud and the ground. When this discharge happens, a flash of light disperses and a shock wave manifests as a boom of thunder. 

Risks of a Storm

One of the many risks of a storm is being struck by lightning. Of course, heavy winds, sustained rainfall, and hail are also detriments of a storm. 

Being inside can significantly mitigate these dangers, but several risks still remain. Here are a few main areas of concern.

Electrical Surges

The electrostatic discharges known as lightning can cause electrical surges to travel through power lines connected to our homes. This poses the potential for damage to electrical appliances and a potential fire risk. 

Surges like this can happen whether or not the lightning directly strikes your home. Anything plugged in like laptops, TVs, and kitchen appliances are particularly prone to electrical surges. 

To protect these valuable devices, it’s helpful to keep your appliances plugged into a surge protector regularly and even unplug them during a violent storm. 

Structural Damage

Sustained high winds, heavy rain, and hailstones associated with severe thunderstorms can lead to structural damage to your home. Windows, roofs, and siding are particularly vulnerable. 

The best thing homeowners can do is make sure their house is well-maintained. If there are any weak spots in the siding or it’s time for a roof replacement, it’s best to address these areas before a bad storm rolls in and reaps havoc. 

Plumbing and Metal

A lesser-known area of concern is the plumbing system within buildings and homes. Because metal is a great conductor of electricity, metal pipes can be a source through which lightning travels. Therefore, anyone running water through the pipes may be at risk of an electric shock.

One of the best ways to ensure your safety is to check your local weather news throughout the day. This will help you understand if you’re dealing with a regular or severe thunderstorm, often accompanied by lightning, and know if there is a severe thunderstorm warning in your area.  

Showers and Storms

This leads us to the big question: can you shower during a thunderstorm? It’s not a hard no, but the answer is that you really shouldn’t be showering during a thunderstorm.

The trouble is, you’re dealing with two conductors of electricity: water and metal pipes. When lightning strikes a home, it can travel through the electrical wiring, metal pipes, and water. That means it could potentially enter your water system and travel through the water in your shower. 

While a rare occurrence, it’s not outside the realm of possibility. Someone can, indeed, be injured or even killed while showering during a thunderstorm. If a friend or family member asks you, “Is it safe to shower during a thunderstorm?” try to discourage them. 

What Do the Experts Recommend?

As a basic rule of thumb, if a bad storm is overhead and you notice a lot of lightning strikes, avoid taking a shower if you don’t absolutely have to. Wherever possible, wait it out and try to take a shower as the storm is dissipating or after it’s passed. 

To completely err on the side of safety, try to avoid running any water at all. After you’ve ensured your appliances are plugged into a surge protector, or unplugged completely, try to hang out in an interior room of the home and avoid running water. 

As you can see, this goes beyond showering. For safety, try to avoid running water of any kind. This includes washing your hands or washing dishes in the sink (something else that may be metal). 

Stay Safe During Storm Season

Stay safe during storm season, and beyond. Any time you hear thunder or see lightning strikes in the sky, make every attempt to avoid running water. If your family members wonder, “Can you shower during a thunderstorm?” try to alert them to the potential dangers, as well. 

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