Lightning Map — Montana

Track real-time lightning strikes and thunderstorm activity across Montana. With an average of 30 thunderstorm days per year, Montana is a state with notable seasonal storm activity.

30
Avg Storm Days/Year
4
Cities Tracked
1.1M
Population

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

About Lightning in Montana

Montana averages 30 thunderstorm days per year, placing it above the national average of 25 days. Located at approximately 47°N latitude, Montana is Big Sky Country where the Rocky Mountain front creates a sharp boundary between mountain weather and plains storms, producing dramatic summer thunderstorms visible for miles.

In Montana, 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 1.1 million residents, storm awareness and lightning safety are important considerations for anyone living in or visiting Montana.

#34
out of 50 states
30
storm days/year
5 more than the US average

When Thunderstorms Peak in Montana

Thunderstorm season in Montana runs from June through August. While the thunderstorm season is shorter than in southern states, storms can be intense with frequent cloud-to-ground lightning. The brief but active summer season often coincides with the longest days and warmest temperatures of the year.

Peak Season
June through August

Top Cities in Montana

Monitor lightning activity in these Montana cities

Billings

MT
33 storm days/yr

Missoula

MT
25 storm days/yr

Great Falls

MT
30 storm days/yr

Bozeman

MT
28 storm days/yr

Lightning Safety in Montana

Stay safe during the 30 thunderstorm days Montana 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 30 thunderstorm days annually in Montana, 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 Montana. 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 Montana

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

Near me How to check lightning near you in Montana

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

 Map guide How to read a lightning map for Montana

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

 Alerts Best ways to get lightning alerts in Montana

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

Track Lightning in Montana Right Now

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