Vaisala Releases Global Lightning Data Strokes from 2013 through 2017

Vaisala
Press Release
April 18, 2018

Vaisala Releases Global Lightning Data Strokes from 2013 through 2017 - With nearly 9 billion strokes counted, that adds up to more than one stroke for every person living on Earth

Vaisala, a world leader in comprehensive lightning data, compiled data from its global lightning detection network, the Global Lightning Dataset GLD360, to demonstrate the overall volume of lightning strokes as well as the countries with the highest lightning stroke density in the world.

From 2013 to 2017, Vaisala tracked 8,761,390,744 lightning strokes around the world. This unique dataset helps meteorologists develop timely and accurate forecasts and warnings at an unprecedented global scale.

"It is interesting to watch the fluctuation of lightning strokes between our annual maps in locations around the world," said Ron Holle, Vaisala meteorologist. "The data show the continually changing meteorological conditions that cause lightning to form in each area that does not repeat from year to year."

Among the locations with the most lightning strokes, in no particular order:

·    United States
·    Paraguay, Uruguay and Colombia in South America
·    Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa
·    India, Sumatra and Malaysia in Asia
·    Northern coast of Australia

"The U.S. has a perfect set-up to create thunderstorms," said Holle. "We have a large land mass with cool air to the north as well as warm, moist air moving up from the Gulf of Mexico. When those two contrasts meet, that is when storms develop."

Other countries that see the most lightning are often in tropical conditions. By contrast, Russia, its neighboring countries and most of Canada all have a much lower density of lightning.

Vaisala's GLD360 technology detects lightning worldwide with its real-time lightning coverage network. It offers accurate global data without gaps that sometimes satellites or radars can deliver. GLD360 detects nearly two billion lightning strokes across the globe each year. Visit vaisala.com to download the comprehensive GLD360 map and to learn more about Vaisala's role in gathering lightning data.

More information for media:

Marina Stenfors
Communications Manager, Vaisala
 Tel. +358 50 364 4909, [email protected]

About Vaisala:
Vaisala is a global leader in environmental and industrial measurement. Building on over 80 years of experience, Vaisala provides observations for a better world. We are a reliable partner for customers around the world, offering a comprehensive range of innovative observation and measurement products and services. Headquartered in Finland, with offices in seven U.S. cities, Vaisala employs approximately 1,600 professionals worldwide and is listed on the NASDAQ Helsinki stock exchange. For additional company information, please go to www.vaisala.com.