Lightning near Riga
Riga's thunderstorms peak in July, with summer storms sometimes bringing heavy downpours to the city on the Gulf of Riga.
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. Distances start from the centre of Riga until you choose your location. The trend shows whether recent flashes are closer; it doesn't predict when a storm will arrive. Tap “Near me” to measure from your location.
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 Riga
The Finnish Meteorological Institute supplies ground-network lightning observations across the Nordics and Baltics. Meteosat satellite flashes may also appear where its view reaches. FMI observations and satellite flashes are different measurements; coverage and availability vary.
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.
Nearby cities
Frequently asked questions
- Is there lightning near Riga right now?
- The map shows reported lightning flashes over Riga 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?
- The Finnish Meteorological Institute supplies ground-network lightning observations across the Nordics and Baltics. Meteosat satellite flashes may also appear where its view reaches. FMI observations and satellite flashes are different measurements; coverage and availability vary.
- 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.