Lightning Map — Idaho

Track real-time lightning strikes and thunderstorm activity across Idaho. With an average of 28 thunderstorm days per year, Idaho is a state with notable seasonal storm activity.

28
Avg Storm Days/Year
3
Cities Tracked
1.8M
Population

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

About Lightning in Idaho

Idaho averages 28 thunderstorm days per year, placing it above the national average of 25 days. 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.

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.

#35
out of 50 states
28
storm days/year
3 more than the US average

When Thunderstorms Peak in Idaho

Thunderstorm season in Idaho runs from June through August. Storms are typically driven by frontal systems and can develop rapidly during warm, humid afternoons. While the season is more compressed than in southern states, individual storms can be intense with frequent cloud-to-ground lightning.

Peak Season
June through August

Top Cities in Idaho

Monitor lightning activity in these Idaho cities

Boise

ID
28 storm days/yr

Meridian

ID
27 storm days/yr

Idaho Falls

ID
30 storm days/yr

Lightning Safety in Idaho

Stay safe during the 28 thunderstorm days Idaho 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 28 thunderstorm days annually in Idaho, 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 Idaho. 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 Idaho

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

Near me How to check lightning near you in Idaho

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

 Map guide How to read a lightning map for Idaho

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

 Alerts Best ways to get lightning alerts in Idaho

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

Track Lightning in Idaho Right Now

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