Live global lightning detection, strike density, and thunderstorm cell tracking
This lightning monitor displays live strike detection from global lightning networks, showing where active thunderstorms are producing cloud-to-ground and intracloud lightning right now. Users searching for lightning map, strikes near me, or live thunderstorm tracker can see strike density and active storm cells in real time.
Lightning is an electrostatic discharge produced when charge separation inside a thunderstorm becomes large enough to overcome air's insulating resistance. Updrafts loft ice crystals upward while heavier graupel particles fall, and collisions transfer negative charge to graupel and positive charge to ice. The negatively charged base of the cloud induces a positive charge on the ground below, and when the voltage exceeds the breakdown threshold a stepped leader descends and a return stroke flashes upward.
Cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning is the most studied form because of its hazard to people and infrastructure. Intracloud (IC) lightning stays within a single cloud and is the most frequent type. Cloud-to-cloud lightning bridges adjacent thunderstorms. Positive CG strikes, originating from the upper anvil, are rarer but carry much higher energy and account for many lightning fatalities and forest fires. Upward lightning, sprites, jets, and elves are exotic transient luminous events that occur above intense storms.
Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela holds the title for the world's most lightning-active location — its Catatumbo lightning produces over 250 strikes per square kilometre per year. The Congo Basin and Indonesian archipelago also generate extremely high strike density due to persistent deep convection. Mid-latitude continents see peak activity in late afternoon during summer when surface heating drives convection.
If you can hear thunder you are within strike range. Seek shelter inside a substantial building or fully enclosed vehicle and avoid open fields, hilltops, isolated trees, and bodies of water. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming outdoor activity. Indoor risks include corded telephones, plumbing fixtures, and contact with electrical appliances during storms.
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