What is the name for a lightning strike that occurs between a cloud and the ground?

A lightning strike that occurs between a cloud and the ground is called cloud-to-ground lightning. It is commonly abbreviated CG lightning and is the type most people mean when they describe lightning “striking” the ground.

A typical CG flash begins inside a thundercloud, where electrical charge has separated into regions of different polarity. A stepped leader—an advancing channel of ionized air—moves downward in stages. As it approaches the surface, electrically charged streamers can rise from trees, buildings, or other elevated objects. When one connects with the leader, a powerful return stroke travels through the channel and produces the bright flash.

Most cloud-to-ground lightning is negative, transferring negative charge toward the ground, but positive CG lightning also occurs. Positive flashes are less common and can carry much larger peak currents. CG lightning is less frequent than intracloud lightning, yet it poses the greatest direct danger to people and property because it reaches the surface.

Heat lightning is not a separate type of discharge; it is ordinary lightning seen from far away, with thunder too distant to hear. Intracloud lightning stays within one cloud.