Lightning Map — Arkansas

Track real-time lightning strikes and thunderstorm activity across Arkansas. With an average of 56 thunderstorm days per year, Arkansas is one of the most lightning-active states in the nation.

56
Avg Storm Days/Year
8
Cities Tracked
3.0M
Population

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

About Lightning in Arkansas

Arkansas averages 56 thunderstorm days per year, placing it well above the national average of 25 days. 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.

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 critical concerns for anyone living in or visiting Arkansas.

#6
out of 50 states
56
storm days/year
31 more than the US average

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
56 storm days/yr

Fort Smith

AR
52 storm days/yr

Fayetteville

AR
50 storm days/yr

Springdale

AR
50 storm days/yr

Jonesboro

AR
54 storm days/yr

Rogers

AR
50 storm days/yr

Conway

AR
54 storm days/yr

Bentonville

AR
50 storm days/yr

Lightning Safety in Arkansas

Stay safe during the 56 thunderstorm days Arkansas 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 56 thunderstorm days annually in Arkansas, having a plan for when storms strike is essential. Avoid windows and stay away from plumbing.

Monitor Lightning Activity

Use Lightning Tracker to get real-time alerts when storms approach your area in Arkansas. 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 Arkansas

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

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 using launch alerts in the app.

 Alerts Best ways to get lightning alerts in Arkansas

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

Track Lightning in Arkansas Right Now

The app links can be added after release. For now, use the Arkansas 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.