Lightning Map New York City, NY
Real-time lightning tracking for New York City, New York. This city averages 28 thunderstorm days per year, making lightning awareness important for New York City residents and visitors.
Data sourced from NOAA GOES-19 GLM and the Storm Prediction Center.
Real-Time Lightning Near New York City
Monitor live lightning strikes and approaching storms
Live Lightning Data for New York City
App links are added after release. For now, use this city page plus the nearby-lightning and alert guides to make faster weather and safety calls in New York City.
App links go live at release. For now use the lightning maps and guides on this site.
Thunderstorm Season in New York City
When to expect lightning activity in New York City, NY
New York City sees most of its thunderstorm activity between May and August, with June and July being the peak months. Storms are typically driven by frontal systems and can develop rapidly during warm, humid afternoons. The transition months of May and September can also bring significant lightning.
Compared to the national average of approximately 25 thunderstorm days per year, New York City sees 3 more days of thunderstorm activity. The New York statewide average is 30 days.
Lightning Safety Tips for New York City
Essential guidelines to stay safe during thunderstorms
30-30 Rule
When you see lightning, count to 30. If you hear thunder before reaching 30, get indoors. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before going outside.
Seek Shelter
With 28 thunderstorm days annually, residents of New York City should always have a shelter plan. Move inside a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle.
Stay Informed
Use Lightning Tracker to monitor real-time lightning near New York City. Set alerts for your neighborhood to get advance warning of approaching storms.
Avoid Open Areas
Stay away from open fields, hilltops, isolated trees, and bodies of water during storms. If hiking, descend from ridges and peaks immediately.
Useful Guides for New York City
These guides match the nearby-lightning and alert questions people ask most often
Use this guide to judge nearby strike danger fast, especially when storms are building near your neighborhood.
Alerts Best alert options for New York City stormsSee how app alerts, NOAA weather radio, and local warnings work when storms move toward your city.
Map guide How to read live lightning around New York CityUnderstand strike clusters, motion, and timing so you can decide when to get indoors.
Nearby Cities in New York
Monitor lightning in other New York cities