Lightning density maps updated for every country, state, or province in the world Hans Loewenheath Product Manager, Vaisala Xweather Published: Jan 20, 2022 Meteorology Weather & Environment What do Kansas, West Bengal, and Veracruz have in common? The all have 32 – 64 total lightning events per square kilometer per year, with 48.5, 45.5, and 45.2 respectively. Details about where, when, and how much lightning occurs allows safety experts and preparedness specialists to develop strategies for improving lightning safety awareness and education efforts around the world. In April last year, Vaisala released a first of its kind interactive lightning map, thanks to data from Vaisala’s National Lightning Detection Network NLDN and Global Lightning Dataset GLD360. With this map, users were able to travel around the world to see how much lightning occurs each year for every country around the world. The updated map, released today, shows lightning density for each state/province in every country. To follow up the 2021 Annual Lightning Report published earlier this month, today’s map update includes data through 2021 so you can easily compare the latest lightning density for your own country, state or province. Image Image Figure 1 and 2: Switching from “Land” to “Density Contour (GLD360)” data view shows the unique distribution of lightning in each country and state or province around the world. For instance, zooming in on parts of Asia reveals, the state, and province level data to compare the average lightning density of West Bengal, India and Chiang Mai, Thailand. Image The state and province level data is especially interesting for large countries which span a wide range of lightning densities. Take Brazil for example, which has an average lightning density of 25.3 lightning events km2/year, yet some areas show 96 events/km2/year. The Brazil state of Alagoas only shows 2.1 events/km2/year while Tocantins shows 52.6 events/km2/year. This map is the result of detection by the globally consistent professional-grade Vaisala GLD360 network. Over the U.S., total lightning events are from the high-precision Vaisala NLDN. Vaisala lightning is prepared to support your safety and meteorological needs. Roam around the world and explore the map for yourself to see these fascinating differences! Zoom in to discover the total lightning density for your country, state, or province, or even county in the U.S. How does it compare with others?
National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) The most accurate and dependable lightning network in the continental U.S. has provided robust and comprehensive lightning data for more than 40 years.
Global lightning detection network GLD360 Reliable storm and lightning information with unmatched efficiency and location accuracy from a sensor network that can detect thunderstorms anywhere in the world, even outside the range of radars or satellites.
