Lightning Map — Colorado

Track real-time lightning strikes and thunderstorm activity across Colorado. With an average of 45 thunderstorm days per year, Colorado is a moderately active state for thunderstorms.

45
Avg Storm Days/Year
10
Cities Tracked
5.8M
Population

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

About Lightning in Colorado

Colorado averages 45 thunderstorm days per year, placing it above the national average of 25 days. Located at approximately 40°N latitude, Colorado is home to the Rocky Mountains, where afternoon solar heating of mountain slopes triggers rapid upslope thunderstorms that roll onto the Front Range and eastern plains.

In Colorado, afternoon solar heating of mountain slopes drives rapid orographic thunderstorm development. Peak thunderstorm activity occurs during May through August, when conditions align for the most frequent lightning strikes. With a population of 5.8 million residents, storm awareness and lightning safety are critical concerns for anyone living in or visiting Colorado.

#15
out of 50 states
45
storm days/year
20 more than the US average

When Thunderstorms Peak in Colorado

Thunderstorm season in Colorado runs from May through August. Spring severe weather season can produce dangerous storms when warm moist air collides with cooler air masses. Summer storms are driven by afternoon convective heating, typically building in the mid to late afternoon hours.

Peak Season
May through August

Top Cities in Colorado

Monitor lightning activity in these Colorado cities

Denver

CO
45 storm days/yr

Colorado Springs

CO
48 storm days/yr

Aurora

CO
46 storm days/yr

Fort Collins

CO
42 storm days/yr

Lakewood

CO
44 storm days/yr

Thornton

CO
45 storm days/yr

Arvada

CO
44 storm days/yr

Westminster

CO
44 storm days/yr

Pueblo

CO
46 storm days/yr

Boulder

CO
42 storm days/yr

Lightning Safety in Colorado

Stay safe during the 45 thunderstorm days Colorado 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 45 thunderstorm days annually in Colorado, 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 Colorado. 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 Colorado

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

Near me How to check lightning near you in Colorado

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

 Map guide How to read a lightning map for Colorado

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

 Alerts Best ways to get lightning alerts in Colorado

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

Track Lightning in Colorado Right Now

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