Bismarck, ND Lightning Map
Real-time lightning tracking for Bismarck, North Dakota. This city averages 35 thunderstorm days per year, making lightning awareness important for Bismarck residents and visitors.
Live data from NOAA GOES-19 GLM. Bismarck, ND.
Data sourced from NOAA GOES-19 GLM and the Storm Prediction Center.
Real-Time Lightning Near Bismarck
Monitor live lightning strikes and approaching storms
Live Lightning Data for Bismarck
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Thunderstorm Season in Bismarck
When to expect lightning activity in Bismarck, ND
Thunderstorms in Bismarck are concentrated in the summer months of June through August. July is typically the most active month for lightning. While the thunderstorm season is shorter than in southern states, storms can be intense with frequent cloud-to-ground lightning.
Compared to the national average of approximately 25 thunderstorm days per year, Bismarck sees 10 more days of thunderstorm activity. The North Dakota statewide average is 35 days.
Lightning Safety Tips for Bismarck
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 35 thunderstorm days annually, residents of Bismarck 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 Bismarck. 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 Bismarck
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 Bismarck 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 BismarckUnderstand strike clusters, motion, and timing so you can decide when to get indoors.
Bismarck Lightning FAQ
Fast answers for live lightning, storm season, and safety in Bismarck
How many thunderstorm days does Bismarck, North Dakota get per year?
Bismarck averages 35 thunderstorm days per year. The national average is approximately 25 days, and the North Dakota statewide average is 35 days.
When is thunderstorm season in Bismarck?
Thunderstorms in Bismarck are concentrated in the summer months of June through August. July is typically the most active month for lightning. While the thunderstorm season is shorter than in southern states, storms can be intense with frequent cloud-to-ground lightning.
What should I do if caught in a lightning storm in Bismarck?
Follow the 30-30 rule: if the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter immediately. With 35 thunderstorm days annually in Bismarck, 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 Bismarck
Jump to nearby city pages when storms are moving across the region