Lightning Map — Mississippi

Track real-time lightning strikes and thunderstorm activity across Mississippi. With an average of 67 thunderstorm days per year, Mississippi is one of the most lightning-active states in the nation.

67
Avg Storm Days/Year
5
Cities Tracked
2.9M
Population

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

About Lightning in Mississippi

Mississippi averages 67 thunderstorm days per year, placing it well above the national average of 25 days. Located at approximately 32°N latitude, Mississippi is positioned between the Gulf Coast and the interior South, receiving abundant moisture from the Gulf of Mexico that drives persistent spring and summer storms.

In Mississippi, warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico combines with daytime heating to produce convective storms. Peak thunderstorm activity occurs during May through September, when conditions align for the most frequent lightning strikes. With a population of 2.9 million residents, storm awareness and lightning safety are critical concerns for anyone living in or visiting Mississippi.

#3
out of 50 states
67
storm days/year
42 more than the US average

When Thunderstorms Peak in Mississippi

Thunderstorm season in Mississippi runs from May 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
May through September

Top Cities in Mississippi

Monitor lightning activity in these Mississippi cities

Jackson

MS
67 storm days/yr

Gulfport

MS
70 storm days/yr

Southaven

MS
58 storm days/yr

Biloxi

MS
70 storm days/yr

Hattiesburg

MS
66 storm days/yr

Lightning Safety in Mississippi

Stay safe during the 67 thunderstorm days Mississippi 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 67 thunderstorm days annually in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi. 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 Mississippi

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

Near me How to check lightning near you in Mississippi

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

 Map guide How to read a lightning map for Mississippi

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

 Alerts Best ways to get lightning alerts in Mississippi

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

Track Lightning in Mississippi Right Now

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