Tennessee Lightning Strike Map

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

427
detected flashes in last 24 hours
Last 7 days
151,113 detected flashes
Last detection
1 min ago
Updated
just now

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

Lightning flash heatmap of Tennessee for the last 24 hours, rendered from NOAA GOES East/West GLM satellite data.
Server-rendered heatmap of Tennessee 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.
7
Cities Tracked
6.9M
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 Tennessee

Located at approximately 36°N latitude, Tennessee is stretching from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River, with varied terrain that channels Gulf moisture and enhances storm development across the Tennessee Valley. Thunderstorm frequency varies within state boundaries, so this page does not publish an unsupported statewide annual average or national rank.

In Tennessee, warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico combines with daytime heating to produce convective storms. Peak thunderstorm activity occurs during April through September, when conditions align for the most frequent lightning strikes. With a population of 6.9 million residents, storm awareness and lightning safety are important considerations for anyone living in or visiting Tennessee.

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

When Thunderstorms Peak in Tennessee

Thunderstorm season in Tennessee runs from April through September. 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
April through September

Top Cities in Tennessee

Monitor lightning activity in these Tennessee cities

Lightning Safety in Tennessee

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

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

Monitor Lightning Activity

Use Lightning Tracker for supplemental situational awareness near Tennessee. 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.

Tennessee Lightning FAQ

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

Where can I see current lightning activity in Tennessee?

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

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

Mobile app

Track Lightning in Tennessee Right Now

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

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