Wisconsin Lightning Map

Track real-time lightning strikes and thunderstorm activity across Wisconsin. With an average of 35 thunderstorm days per year, Wisconsin is a moderately active state for thunderstorms.

6
strikes in last 24 hours
Last 7 days
6 strikes
Last strike
4 hours ago
Updated
just now

Live data from NOAA GOES-19 GLM. Wisconsin.

Lightning strike heatmap of Wisconsin for the last 24 hours, rendered from NOAA GOES-19 GLM satellite data.
Server-rendered heatmap of Wisconsin 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.
35
Avg Storm Days/Year
6
Cities Tracked
5.9M
Population

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

About Lightning in Wisconsin

Wisconsin averages 35 thunderstorm days per year, placing it above the national average of 25 days. Located at approximately 43°N latitude, Wisconsin is bordered by Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, where Great Lakes effects can both suppress and enhance thunderstorm activity depending on wind direction and season.

In Wisconsin, frontal boundaries and warm moist air from the south converge across flat terrain. Peak thunderstorm activity occurs during June through August, when conditions align for the most frequent lightning strikes. With a population of 5.9 million residents, storm awareness and lightning safety are important considerations for anyone living in or visiting Wisconsin.

#27
out of 50 states
35
storm days/year
10 more than the US average

When Thunderstorms Peak in Wisconsin

Thunderstorm season in Wisconsin 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

Top Cities in Wisconsin

Monitor lightning activity in these Wisconsin cities

Milwaukee

WI
35 storm days/yr

Madison

WI
37 storm days/yr

Green Bay

WI
32 storm days/yr

Kenosha

WI
35 storm days/yr

Racine

WI
35 storm days/yr

Appleton

WI
33 storm days/yr

Lightning Safety in Wisconsin

Stay safe during the 35 thunderstorm days Wisconsin 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 35 thunderstorm days annually in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin

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

Near me How to check lightning near you in Wisconsin

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

 Map guide How to read a lightning map for Wisconsin

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

 Alerts Best ways to get lightning alerts in Wisconsin

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

Wisconsin Lightning FAQ

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

How many thunderstorm days does Wisconsin get per year?

Wisconsin averages 35 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 Wisconsin in real time?

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

iOS app

Track Lightning in Wisconsin Right Now

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

Save your area on iPhone.

Download on the App Store
5.0 1 ratings Free Weather GOES-19 data
  • New
  • Free
  • Saved area
  • Storm context
  • Fast iPhone access

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