Lightning map
Plots recent optical flashes detected by satellite. Best for locating active electrical cores and checking nearby strike activity.
- Shows detected lightning flashes
- Helps judge strike proximity
- Updates as new flashes arrive
GOES-19 GLM · LIVE US FEED
Lightning Radar Near Me
See where lightning is active now, then search your location for local strike context. This map plots detected electrical flashes—not estimated rain intensity.
INSTRUMENT / 01 Electrical activity
Recent satellite-detected flashes across storm-active US states.
- Source
- NOAA GLM
- Coverage
- United States
- Mode
- Live map
Live map preview
Lightning Activity Across the US
Loading live lightning strikes...
Detector / locator / sensor
Lightning Detector Near Me
A lightning detector identifies electrical flashes; a locator places those detections on a map. This tool uses satellite data—not your phone microphone or camera—to show recent activity. Use closest strike for distance, then save an alert radius for ongoing monitoring.
DETECTORFind flash signal
LOCATORPlace it on map
ALERTWatch saved radius
Live local check
Run a local lightning check
Use current location or search a city or state to open recent flashes, local strike counts, and a focused map.
GET ALERTS FOR THIS AREA Keep this area ready.
The web check answers now. The app can monitor this radius after you close the page.
Save this area on your phone.
Two instruments · two signals
Lightning Radar vs. Weather Radar
Use both layers for different questions. Neither replaces shelter decisions.
Weather radar
Measures precipitation reflectivity. Best for seeing rain, hail, storm shape, and where a storm cell may move next.
- Shows rain and storm structure
- Helps estimate arrival timing
- Does not directly detect strikes
Safety rule: if you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck. Move inside and use the map only after reaching shelter.
Storm routing
Open the Right Lightning View
Go from national signal to local action without searching again.
01 / HISTORY Last 24 hours
Review recent US lightning activity and state strike counters.
02 / DISTANCE Closest strikeFind nearest recent strike by current location or US zip code.
03 / STORM Thunderstorm trackerLearn how live strike maps, movement, distance, and alerts work together.
04 / GUIDE Read lightning mapsDecode strike age, clusters, motion, and map limitations.
Local panels
Lightning Radar by State
Open focused maps for storm-active states, recent flashes, and city routes.
FL Florida lightning map 82 avg storm days / year TX Texas lightning map 50 avg storm days / year OK Oklahoma lightning map 57 avg storm days / year CO Colorado lightning map 45 avg storm days / year GA Georgia lightning map 52 avg storm days / year NC North Carolina lightning map 45 avg storm days / year
Browse all 50 state and city lightning maps → Field notes
Lightning Radar FAQ
Is lightning radar the same as weather radar?
No. Weather radar measures precipitation and storm structure. Lightning maps plot detected electrical flashes. Use radar to understand rain and storm shape, then use lightning detections to see where electrical activity is happening now.
How do I check lightning radar near me?
Use current location or search a US city or state on this page. The local route opens recent lightning activity and strike counts for your area using NOAA GOES-19 GLM detections.
Does an empty lightning map mean it is safe outside?
No. A map shows detected flashes, not where lightning will strike next. If you hear thunder, move indoors and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning outside.
Is a lightning detector near me the same as a lightning locator?
For a public web tool, detector, locator, and lightning sensor searches usually mean the same task: show where recent lightning was detected. This page uses satellite detections; it does not turn your phone into a physical lightning sensor.