Arkansas Lightning Strike Map

Track real-time lightning strikes and thunderstorm activity across Arkansas. Review recent optical-flash detections, map timestamps, and official warning links before making weather decisions.

0
detected flashes in last 24 hours
Last 7 days
20,035 detected flashes
Last detection
1 day ago
Updated
just now

Recent detections from NOAA GOES East/West GLM. Arkansas. Provider and display latency vary; satellite markers are approximate optical-flash locations, not exact ground impacts.

Lightning flash heatmap of Arkansas for the last 24 hours, rendered from NOAA GOES East/West GLM satellite data.
Server-rendered heatmap of Arkansas lightning activity in the last 24 hours. Each gold glow is a flash detected by NOAA GOES East/West GLM. Updates every 5 minutes.
Map loading…
Bolts show recent NOAA GOES East/West GLM detections. Locations are approximate; provider and display latency vary. Lime = newest, red = 1-6h, grey = older.
8
Cities Tracked
3.0M
Population

Data sourced from NOAA GOES East/West Geostationary Lightning Mappers (GLM) and the Storm Prediction Center (SPC). For the broader live overview, open the lightning strike map for the last 24 hours.

About Lightning in Arkansas

Located at approximately 35°N latitude, Arkansas is a transitional state between the Gulf Coast lowlands and the Ozark highlands, where terrain-enhanced lifting and Gulf moisture produce frequent storms. Thunderstorm frequency varies within state boundaries, so this page does not publish an unsupported statewide annual average or national rank.

In Arkansas, warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico combines with daytime heating to produce convective storms. Peak thunderstorm activity occurs during April through September, when conditions align for the most frequent lightning strikes. With a population of 3.0 million residents, storm awareness and lightning safety are important considerations for anyone living in or visiting Arkansas.

Live map scope
24h
recent activity window
Not a historical state ranking

When Thunderstorms Peak in Arkansas

Thunderstorm season in Arkansas runs from April through September. Late spring can bring severe weather as cold fronts push through, while summer convective storms driven by daytime heating are a daily occurrence. The transition from spring to summer often marks the most dangerous period for lightning.

Peak Season
April through September

Top Cities in Arkansas

Monitor lightning activity in these Arkansas cities

Little Rock

AR

Fort Smith

AR

Fayetteville

AR

Springdale

AR

Jonesboro

AR

Rogers

AR

Conway

AR

Bentonville

AR

Lightning Safety in Arkansas

Know where to shelter and follow official warnings when storms approach Arkansas

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

Have a shelter plan before storms reach Arkansas. Avoid windows and stay away from plumbing while indoors.

Monitor Lightning Activity

Use Lightning Tracker for supplemental situational awareness near Arkansas. Follow official warnings and seek shelter immediately when thunder is audible.

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 Arkansas

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

Last 24 hours Arkansas strikes in the last 24 hours

Start with the 24-hour US overview, then use this Arkansas page for local strike counts and recent flashes.

 Radar Lightning radar near Arkansas

Compare live electrical detections with weather-radar context before opening the local Arkansas map.

 Near me How to check lightning near you in Arkansas

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

 Map guide How to read a lightning map for Arkansas

Understand clusters, timing, and storm movement before relying on live mobile app alerts.

 Alerts Set lightning alerts in Arkansas

Choose a saved monitoring radius and understand app notification limits versus official warnings.

Arkansas Lightning FAQ

Fast answers for live maps, storm days, and lightning safety in Arkansas

Where can I see current lightning activity in Arkansas?

This page shows recent NOAA GOES East/West GLM optical-flash detections across Arkansas. Use official weather agencies for forecasts and warnings.

What is the 30-30 rule for lightning safety?

The 30-30 rule states: if the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter immediately. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before going outside.

How can I track lightning in Arkansas in real time?

Lightning Tracker uses NOAA GOES East/West GLM (Geostationary Lightning Mapper) satellite data to display recent lightning activity across Arkansas. The mobile app provides push notification alerts when storms approach your location.

Mobile app

Track Lightning in Arkansas Right Now

Download the mobile app for live alerts, then use the Arkansas hub, city pages, and lightning guides for local map and safety context.

App Store Google Play

Free 50 state maps Live alerts