I think - but I'm not sure now - that the only other time I may have experienced lightning in January was back in 1975, when there were also very high winds. However, the flash and crash I heard could just have easily been one of my Dad's huge greenhouses collapsing!

But yes, I genuinely think that the occasion I described earlier was the only time I recall lightning in January, ever. We do tend to associate it with summer.

And yes, I still hate it when it's overhead. I'm terrified it'll strike the huge tree in my back garden and it'll collapse onto my house.