About Lightning in New Hampshire
Located at approximately 43°N latitude, New Hampshire is a mountainous New England state where the White Mountains can trigger localized orographic thunderstorms, while valleys and lowlands see broader frontal-driven storms. Thunderstorm frequency varies within state boundaries, so this page does not publish an unsupported statewide annual average or national rank.
In New Hampshire, maritime air masses interact with continental weather patterns during warm months. Peak thunderstorm activity occurs during June through August, when conditions align for the most frequent lightning strikes. With a population of 1.4 million residents, storm awareness and lightning safety are important considerations for anyone living in or visiting New Hampshire.