Lightning by the numbers
Lightning is one of nature’s most persistent and powerful phenomena, with over 2 billion events occurring worldwide every year. It is a critical indicator of atmospheric conditions, climate patterns, and severe weather, and a near‑constant presence in our atmosphere: averaged over a year, we detect about 60 lightning events per second.
Each year, our Annual Lightning Report delivers comprehensive global and U.S. lightning statistics, reveals U.S. lightning capitals, ranks states by lightning activity, highlights the year’s top lightning dates, and more. Powered by the Xweather Lightning Network—the world’s most accurate real-time lightning detection network—the report is built on the most precise, reliable lightning data available.
The forthcoming 2025 edition adds an industry lens, with focused analysis on three critical sectors facing lightning exposure in the US: wind farms, the transmission grid, and major stadiums.
What will 2025 reveal?
Our 2025 report will uncover the year's most compelling data, surprising trends, and unique industry insights. Enter your details, and we'll let you know when the 2025 report is available.
99.9%
of thunderstorms detected worldwide
84 m
median accuracy with precision network
Over 2 bn
lightning events detected every year
Resources for business
Managing lightning risk at the world's busiest airports
Accurate lightning detection is essential for maintaining safety and minimizing delays. Building on the Annual Lightning Report, this essential guide explores the impact of lightning risk on airports and airlines, showing how alert distance and clear time affect the number and duration of lightning risk episodes at the world's busiest airports.
Detailed airport risk profiles
Top 50 airports ranked by lightning risk
US and global impact maps
Real-time lightning detection and data
Vaisala is the global leader in end-to-end lightning solutions that enable safe and efficient operations.
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Whatever your lightning data needs, we're here to help. Get in touch today, and let us put our expertise to work for you.