Yes, lightning does create thermal radiation. Lightning is a powerful electrical discharge that occurs during thunderstorms. When a lightning bolt travels through the air, it rapidly heats up the surrounding air to extremely high temperatures, reaching temperatures of around 30,000 Kelvin (53,540 degrees Fahrenheit) or more. This intense heat generates thermal radiation, which is a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted by any object with a temperature above absolute zero.
The thermal radiation produced by lightning is in the form of infrared radiation, which is a type of electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than visible light. It is this thermal radiation that contributes to the intense brightness and glowing appearance of a lightning bolt. Additionally, the rapid expansion of the heated air around the lightning channel creates a shock wave, resulting in the characteristic thunder sound associated with thunderstorms.