Live strikes
New detections appear on the map with their relative timing and fade as they become older.
LIVE LIGHTNING WORLDWIDE
See where lightning is happening right now
Lightning Front brings current lightning detections, rain radar and the observing station network together on one calm, interactive world map.
Open the live lightning map
LIGHTNING FRONT
More context than dots on a map
Rain radar
Switch precipitation on to compare lightning activity with the current rain pattern.
Detection network
Select a strike to inspect available technical details and the stations involved in locating it.
NETWORK DETECTION
From radio signal to map position
Multiple volunteer receivers register the radio pulse from a discharge. Their timing differences allow the network to calculate a position. Lightning Front visualises the resulting network data; it does not predict lightning.
FAQ
Questions about the live lightning map
Is this lightning map really live?
The map regularly retrieves the newest available network observations. Small delays can occur between detection, processing and display.
Can I see which stations detected a strike?
Yes. When the source supplies station participation, selecting a strike can show the participating receivers and measurement lines.
Why does the time window change automatically?
The automatic view shortens the window during very high activity and expands it when activity is lower, keeping the map readable.
Can I use this as an official warning?
No. Lightning Front is an independent participant project for observation and education, never an official weather or safety warning.
LIVE OBSERVATORY
Open the sky in one clear view
Explore current activity, zoom into your region and select a strike for its available details.