Lightning Map — Alaska

Track real-time lightning strikes and thunderstorm activity across Alaska. With an average of 3 thunderstorm days per year, Alaska is a state with relatively low thunderstorm activity.

3
Avg Storm Days/Year
2
Cities Tracked
0.7M
Population

Data sourced from NOAA GOES-19 Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) and the Storm Prediction Center (SPC).

About Lightning in Alaska

Alaska averages 3 thunderstorm days per year, placing it below the national average of 25 days. Located at approximately 58°N latitude, Alaska is the largest and northernmost US state, where cold temperatures and stable Arctic air masses suppress thunderstorm formation, making lightning events rare and concentrated in the interior during brief summer warmth.

In Alaska, maritime influences generally suppress thunderstorm formation, with activity concentrated over mountain terrain or during rare atmospheric setups. Peak thunderstorm activity occurs during June through July, when conditions align for the most frequent lightning strikes. With a population of 0.7 million residents, storm awareness and lightning safety are important considerations for anyone living in or visiting Alaska.

#50
out of 50 states
3
storm days/year
22 fewer than the US average

When Thunderstorms Peak in Alaska

Thunderstorm season in Alaska runs from June through July. Thunderstorms are rare in Alaska, confined mostly to the interior during brief summer warmth when long daylight hours heat the continental landmass. Coastal and Arctic regions see almost no lightning activity.

Peak Season
June through July

Top Cities in Alaska

Monitor lightning activity in these Alaska cities

Anchorage

AK
3 storm days/yr

Fairbanks

AK
5 storm days/yr

Lightning Safety in Alaska

Stay safe during the 3 thunderstorm days Alaska averages each year

Follow the 30-30 Rule

If the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.

Stay Indoors During Storms

With 3 thunderstorm days annually in Alaska, it's still worth being prepared when storms do occur. Avoid windows and stay away from plumbing.

Monitor Lightning Activity

Use Lightning Tracker to get real-time alerts when storms approach your area in Alaska. Early awareness helps you make safer decisions.

Outdoor Safety

If caught outside, avoid open fields, hilltops, and isolated trees. Seek shelter in a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle.

Useful Guides for Alaska

These pages help visitors who search for maps, nearby strikes, and alert setup

Near me How to check lightning near you in Alaska

Use this guide when you want to know how fast nearby strikes can become a real safety problem in Alaska.

 Map guide How to read a lightning map for Alaska

Understand clusters, timing, and storm movement before using launch alerts in the app.

 Alerts Best ways to get lightning alerts in Alaska

Compare app alerts, NOAA weather radio, and local warning workflows for storms in your area.
App links later

Track Lightning in Alaska Right Now

The app links can be added after release. For now, use the Alaska hub, city pages, and lightning guides to cover map and safety intent.

Launching Soon iOS & Android

App links go live at release. For now use the lightning maps and guides on this site.