Live lightning map of Europe
Follow reported lightning across Europe on one map, from Ireland and the UK to continental Europe and the Nordic countries. Compare activity across borders, then open a country or city map for a closer view. Meteosat satellite flashes and FMI ground-network observations have different coverage and delivery delays.
The map updates as new reports arrive. Each dot shows a reported lightning detection, which may be inside a cloud. Colours show how long ago it happened. Tap “Near me” to see the distance and direction to the closest reported flash from where you are.
The nearby panel checks reports within 100 km over the last 30 minutes. Map time buttons change the visible dots, so the nearby summary and a longer or shorter map window can show different activity.
Lightning data and coverage in Europe
EUMETSAT’s Meteosat Lightning Imager supplies satellite flashes across Europe. The Finnish Meteorological Institute also supplies ground-network observations across the Nordics and Baltics. Coverage differs between the two sources, especially at high latitudes.
FMI observations and Meteosat batches arrive on different schedules. Meteosat reports cover ten minutes at a time and take longer to reach Boltwatch. Check the source and observation time on a report; one map delay label does not describe every source.
Understand the lightning data and its delays or set up nearby lightning alerts. An alert may arrive late or fail to reach your device. Follow official weather warnings.
Use the map and understand nearby lightning
- Check lightning near your location — understand distances from your position and the limits of nearby reports.
- How to read a lightning map — use flash ages, time windows and source information.
- Satellite lightning and ground strikes — understand why a dot may show lightning inside a cloud.
- Estimate distance from lightning to thunder — count the delay after a visible flash. If you hear thunder, go indoors.
Lightning maps for places in Europe
Frequently asked questions
- Is there lightning near Europe right now?
- The map shows reported lightning flashes over Europe during your selected time window and updates as new reports arrive. Colours show how long ago each flash happened. Tap “Near me” to see the distance and direction to nearby lightning. Coverage and delays vary, and an empty map doesn't mean it's safe outside.
- How far away can lightning strike?
- Lightning can strike 10 miles (16 km) or more from the storm that produces it, often out of a clear sky. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck. Go indoors and wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back outside.
- Where does the lightning data come from?
- EUMETSAT’s Meteosat Lightning Imager supplies satellite flashes across Europe. The Finnish Meteorological Institute also supplies ground-network observations across the Nordics and Baltics. Coverage differs between the two sources, especially at high latitudes.
- How live is the map?
- FMI observations and Meteosat batches arrive on different schedules. Meteosat reports cover ten minutes at a time and take longer to reach Boltwatch. Check the source and observation time on a report; one map delay label does not describe every source.
- How accurate are the lightning locations?
- FMI uses a ground sensor network to estimate lightning locations and provides peak current and cloud or ground classification where available. Meteosat observes light from cloud tops and does not identify the building or street hit by lightning. Both sources can miss flashes and have location uncertainty.
- Is BoltWatch free?
- Yes. There's no sign-up and no app to install. Open the page and the map runs.