Lightning can appear purple or lilac due to high atmospheric humidity.
Here's a breakdown:
- High Humidity: According to provided information, a purple or lilac tint in lightning is often associated with high atmospheric humidity. This suggests the thunderstorm is accompanied by significant precipitation.
- Other Colors:
- Yellow lightning, though uncommon, indicates a cooler temperature and is linked to high concentrations of dust in the air.
- Blue and white lightning are not discussed in the reference.
Therefore, the purple hue of lightning is primarily linked to the presence of high atmospheric humidity during a thunderstorm.