About Lightning in Idaho
Located at approximately 44°N latitude, Idaho is a mountainous inland state where summer thunderstorms develop over the Sawtooth and Bitterroot ranges, with dry lightning posing significant wildfire risk. Thunderstorm frequency varies within state boundaries, so this page does not publish an unsupported statewide annual average or national rank.
In Idaho, afternoon solar heating of mountain slopes drives rapid orographic thunderstorm development. Peak thunderstorm activity occurs during June through August, when conditions align for the most frequent lightning strikes. With a population of 1.8 million residents, storm awareness and lightning safety are important considerations for anyone living in or visiting Idaho.