United States — Live Lightning Map
Community-network lightning strikes in real time, from Blitzortung.org — refreshes continuously while open.
Strike age (how recent)
White — just now (0–20 min ago)
Yellow — 20–40 min ago
Orange — 40–60 min ago
Red — 60–80 min ago
Purple — 80–100 min ago
Dark purple — 100–120 min ago
Source: lightning positions come from Blitzortung.org, a free, volunteer-run detection network (also powers LightningMaps.org) — no API key or account involved. The map itself is interactive: pan, zoom, and scroll freely across the country.
Important — this is not a safety tool. Blitzortung's own network explicitly says its data is for informational/entertainment purposes and should not be relied on to protect people or property. Strike detections can lag real time by a minute or more and coverage density varies by region. For actual lightning safety decisions, use official National Weather Service warnings — the standard guidance is "when thunder roars, go indoors," regardless of what any map shows.
Important — this is not a safety tool. Blitzortung's own network explicitly says its data is for informational/entertainment purposes and should not be relied on to protect people or property. Strike detections can lag real time by a minute or more and coverage density varies by region. For actual lightning safety decisions, use official National Weather Service warnings — the standard guidance is "when thunder roars, go indoors," regardless of what any map shows.