Cedar Rapids, IA Lightning Map
Real-time lightning tracking for Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This city averages 42 thunderstorm days per year, making lightning awareness important for Cedar Rapids residents and visitors.
Live data from NOAA GOES-19 GLM. Cedar Rapids, IA.
Data sourced from NOAA GOES-19 GLM and the Storm Prediction Center.
Real-Time Lightning Near Cedar Rapids
Monitor live lightning strikes and approaching storms
Live Lightning Data for Cedar Rapids
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Thunderstorm Season in Cedar Rapids
When to expect lightning activity in Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids 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, Cedar Rapids sees 17 more days of thunderstorm activity. The Iowa statewide average is 43 days.
Lightning Safety Tips for Cedar Rapids
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 42 thunderstorm days annually, residents of Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids. 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 Cedar Rapids
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 Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar RapidsUnderstand strike clusters, motion, and timing so you can decide when to get indoors.
Cedar Rapids Lightning FAQ
Fast answers for live lightning, storm season, and safety in Cedar Rapids
How many thunderstorm days does Cedar Rapids, Iowa get per year?
Cedar Rapids averages 42 thunderstorm days per year. The national average is approximately 25 days, and the Iowa statewide average is 43 days.
When is thunderstorm season in Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids 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.
What should I do if caught in a lightning storm in Cedar Rapids?
Follow the 30-30 rule: if the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter immediately. With 42 thunderstorm days annually in Cedar Rapids, always have a shelter plan. Move inside a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle, and wait 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before going outside.
Nearest Lightning Maps to Cedar Rapids
Jump to nearby city pages when storms are moving across the region