Maryland Lightning Map

Track real-time lightning strikes and thunderstorm activity across Maryland. With an average of 33 thunderstorm days per year, Maryland is a state with notable seasonal storm activity.

3,166
strikes in last 24 hours
Last 7 days
3,166 strikes
Last strike
11 hours ago
Updated
just now

Live data from NOAA GOES-19 GLM. Maryland.

Lightning strike heatmap of Maryland for the last 24 hours, rendered from NOAA GOES-19 GLM satellite data.
Server-rendered heatmap of Maryland lightning activity in the last 24 hours. Each gold glow is a flash detected by NOAA GOES-19 GLM. Updates every 5 minutes.
Map loading…
Each marker is a recent lightning flash detected by NOAA GOES-19 GLM. Darker markers are older. Tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors.
33
Avg Storm Days/Year
3
Cities Tracked
6.2M
Population

Data sourced from NOAA GOES-19 Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) and the Storm Prediction Center (SPC).

About Lightning in Maryland

Maryland averages 33 thunderstorm days per year, placing it above the national average of 25 days. Located at approximately 39°N latitude, Maryland is a compact state spanning the Chesapeake Bay, where sea-breeze boundaries and Appalachian outflow create convergence zones that trigger afternoon thunderstorms.

In Maryland, maritime air masses interact with continental weather patterns during warm months. Peak thunderstorm activity occurs during May through August, when conditions align for the most frequent lightning strikes. With a population of 6.2 million residents, storm awareness and lightning safety are important considerations for anyone living in or visiting Maryland.

#30
out of 50 states
33
storm days/year
8 more than the US average

When Thunderstorms Peak in Maryland

Thunderstorm season in Maryland runs from May through August. 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
May through August

Top Cities in Maryland

Monitor lightning activity in these Maryland cities

Baltimore

MD
33 storm days/yr

Frederick

MD
33 storm days/yr

Rockville

MD
33 storm days/yr

Lightning Safety in Maryland

Stay safe during the 33 thunderstorm days Maryland averages each year

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

With 33 thunderstorm days annually in Maryland, having a plan for when storms strike is essential. Avoid windows and stay away from plumbing.

Monitor Lightning Activity

Use Lightning Tracker to get real-time alerts when storms approach your area in Maryland. Early awareness helps you make safer decisions.

Outdoor Safety

If caught outside, avoid open fields, hilltops, and isolated trees. Seek shelter in a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle.

Useful Guides for Maryland

These pages help visitors who search for maps, nearby strikes, and alert setup

Near me How to check lightning near you in Maryland

Use this guide when you want to know how fast nearby strikes can become a real safety problem in Maryland.

 Map guide How to read a lightning map for Maryland

Understand clusters, timing, and storm movement before relying on live iOS app alerts.

 Alerts Best ways to get lightning alerts in Maryland

Compare app alerts, NOAA weather radio, and local warning workflows for storms in your area.

Maryland Lightning FAQ

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

How many thunderstorm days does Maryland get per year?

Maryland averages 33 thunderstorm days per year, based on NOAA climate data. The national average is approximately 25 thunderstorm days per year.

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 Maryland in real time?

Lightning Tracker uses NOAA GOES-19 GLM (Geostationary Lightning Mapper) satellite data to display real-time lightning strikes across Maryland. The iOS app provides push notification alerts when storms approach your location.

iOS app

Track Lightning in Maryland Right Now

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

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Use the website for live maps. Use the iOS app to keep your area ready on your phone.