Boltwatch blog
Guides to the lightning you see on the map.
Lightning map for Europe and Africa: what the dots mean
Explore reported lightning across Europe and Africa with Meteosat. Understand satellite flashes, ten-minute reports, coverage and alert limits.
Understand the lightning you see
How to Read a Lightning Map: Colours, Time and Distance
Read lightning map colours, time windows and nearby distances. Learn what a flash means, how source delays affect the map and what to check next.
Satellite Lightning vs Ground Strikes: What a Dot Means
A satellite lightning flash is not a confirmed ground strike. Compare GOES, Meteosat and ground-network reports, location limits and flash counts.
Lightning Map vs Weather Radar: How to Use Both
Lightning maps show reported flashes; weather radar shows precipitation. Compare what each reveals, check their timestamps and use official warnings.
Thunder but No Lightning on the Map? What to Check
Hearing thunder with an empty lightning map can mean delayed reports, source filters or coverage gaps. Check the map from indoors and follow weather advice.
Caught Outside in a Thunderstorm? What to Do Now
What to do if you hear thunder outdoors: where to go, what to avoid and why trees, tents and crouching don't protect you. Based on weather-service advice.
Lightning Safety at Home: Showers, Phones and Plugs
Can you shower, use your phone or charge a laptop in a thunderstorm? What's safe indoors, what to avoid, and how to protect pets and electronics.
Is a Car Safe in a Lightning Storm? What Protects You
A hard-topped car with the windows closed protects you from lightning, but not because of the rubber tyres. What to do while driving and which vehicles aren't safe.
How Long to Wait After Thunder Before Going Outside
Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back outside. Why the rule exists, why each rumble resets the clock, and how to apply it to sport, pools and events.
What Is Heat Lightning? Silent Flashes Explained
Heat lightning is ordinary lightning from a storm too far away to hear. Why there's no thunder, how far away it might be and how to find the storm on a map.