Maryland Lightning Strike Map

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

1,801
detected flashes in last 24 hours
Last 7 days
86,759 detected flashes
Last detection
8 hours ago
Updated
just now

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

Lightning flash heatmap of Maryland for the last 24 hours, rendered from NOAA GOES East/West GLM satellite data.
Server-rendered heatmap of Maryland 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.
3
Cities Tracked
6.2M
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 Maryland

Located at approximately 39°N latitude, Maryland is a compact state spanning the Chesapeake Bay, where sea-breeze boundaries and Appalachian outflow create convergence zones that trigger afternoon thunderstorms. Thunderstorm frequency varies within state boundaries, so this page does not publish an unsupported statewide annual average or national rank.

In Maryland, maritime air masses interact with continental weather patterns during warm months. Peak thunderstorm activity occurs during May through August, when conditions align for the most frequent lightning strikes. With a population of 6.2 million residents, storm awareness and lightning safety are important considerations for anyone living in or visiting Maryland.

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

When Thunderstorms Peak in Maryland

Thunderstorm season in Maryland 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 Maryland

Monitor lightning activity in these Maryland cities

Baltimore

MD

Frederick

MD

Rockville

MD

Lightning Safety in Maryland

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

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 Maryland. Avoid windows and stay away from plumbing while indoors.

Monitor Lightning Activity

Use Lightning Tracker for supplemental situational awareness near Maryland. 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 Maryland

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

Last 24 hours Maryland strikes in the last 24 hours

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

 Radar Lightning radar near Maryland

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

 Near me How to check lightning near you in Maryland

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

 Map guide How to read a lightning map for Maryland

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

 Alerts Set lightning alerts in Maryland

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

Maryland Lightning FAQ

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

Where can I see current lightning activity in Maryland?

This page shows recent NOAA GOES East/West GLM optical-flash detections across Maryland. 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 Maryland in real time?

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

Mobile app

Track Lightning in Maryland Right Now

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

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