Question

why does lightning strike more frequently in the hilly areas?

Answer 1

When it comes to the hilly areas cloud are much comparatively closer to the part of the ground which has plain.

Therefore it has lightning stikes are more frequent in the part of the hilly areas. The both tree and houses on the hills are higher altityde and get compare to the above plains.

Therefore the lighting strikes the hill areas first asn they are become greater altitude.

Answer 2

Electricity always seeks the shortest path to its final destination. On a mountain or tall hill, that is the shorter path than to a level plain. However, even on a level area you do not want to be the tallest object around and you definitely do not want to seek cover uder a tall tree for the same reaon also Because the hills are a shorter path to ground for the lightning discharge.
i hope this will help u