Minneapolis, MN Lightning Map
Real-time lightning tracking for Minneapolis, Minnesota. This city averages 36 thunderstorm days per year, making lightning awareness important for Minneapolis residents and visitors.
Live data from NOAA GOES-19 GLM. Minneapolis, MN. — quiet period. Minneapolis, MN averages 36 thunderstorm days per year.
Data sourced from NOAA GOES-19 GLM and the Storm Prediction Center.
Real-Time Lightning Near Minneapolis
Monitor live lightning strikes and approaching storms
Live Lightning Data for Minneapolis
Download the iOS app for live alerts, then use this city page plus the nearby-lightning and alert guides to make faster weather and safety calls in Minneapolis.
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Thunderstorm Season in Minneapolis
When to expect lightning activity in Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis 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, Minneapolis sees 11 more days of thunderstorm activity. The Minnesota statewide average is 36 days.
Lightning Safety Tips for Minneapolis
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 36 thunderstorm days annually, residents of Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis
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 Minneapolis 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 MinneapolisUnderstand strike clusters, motion, and timing so you can decide when to get indoors.
Minneapolis Lightning FAQ
Fast answers for live lightning, storm season, and safety in Minneapolis
How many thunderstorm days does Minneapolis, Minnesota get per year?
Minneapolis averages 36 thunderstorm days per year. The national average is approximately 25 days, and the Minnesota statewide average is 36 days.
When is thunderstorm season in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis?
Follow the 30-30 rule: if the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter immediately. With 36 thunderstorm days annually in Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis
Jump to nearby city pages when storms are moving across the region