New York Lightning Map

Track real-time lightning strikes and thunderstorm activity across New York. With an average of 30 thunderstorm days per year, New York is a state with notable seasonal storm activity.

17,257
strikes in last 24 hours
Last 7 days
17,482 strikes
Last strike
1 hour ago
Updated
just now

Live data from NOAA GOES-19 GLM. New York.

Lightning strike heatmap of New York for the last 24 hours, rendered from NOAA GOES-19 GLM satellite data.
Server-rendered heatmap of New York 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.
30
Avg Storm Days/Year
6
Cities Tracked
20.2M
Population

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

About Lightning in New York

New York averages 30 thunderstorm days per year, placing it above the national average of 25 days. Located at approximately 43°N latitude, New York is stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Great Lakes, with diverse thunderstorm patterns ranging from coastal sea-breeze storms to lake-effect enhanced convection in western New York.

In New York, maritime air masses interact with continental weather patterns during warm months. Peak thunderstorm activity occurs during June through August, when conditions align for the most frequent lightning strikes. With a population of 20.2 million residents, storm awareness and lightning safety are important considerations for anyone living in or visiting New York.

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

When Thunderstorms Peak in New York

Thunderstorm season in New York runs from June through August. Storms are typically driven by frontal systems and can develop rapidly during warm, humid afternoons. While the season is more compressed than in southern states, individual storms can be intense with frequent cloud-to-ground lightning.

Peak Season
June through August

Lightning Safety in New York

Stay safe during the 30 thunderstorm days New York 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 30 thunderstorm days annually in New York, 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 New York. 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.

New York Lightning FAQ

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

How many thunderstorm days does New York get per year?

New York averages 30 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 New York in real time?

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

iOS app

Track Lightning in New York Right Now

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

Save your area on iPhone.

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