UK lightning map
See reported lightning across the United Kingdom from EUMETSAT's Meteosat satellites. Reports cover ten minutes at a time and take longer to arrive. The satellites also detect lightning inside clouds, so the dots don't show exactly where lightning hit the ground.
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 United Kingdom
EUMETSAT’s Meteosat Third Generation Lightning Imager supplies the satellite flashes shown here. It detects lightning inside clouds as well as lightning towards the ground. A satellite dot marks detected light from a flash, rather than a confirmed ground impact.
Boltwatch receives Meteosat reports in ten-minute batches, followed by a delivery delay. A newly displayed dot can therefore describe an older flash. The map shows recent observations and cannot confirm whether lightning is happening at this exact moment.
Follow storms and check local warnings
Use the UK lightning map to follow reported flashes across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Zoom out from London to compare activity on both sides of the English Channel, over the Irish Sea and around the North Sea. Those seas sit within the same satellite view, so you can follow activity beyond the coast.
A thunderstorm tracker shows where lightning has already been observed. It does not tell you whether a warning covers your postcode or when a storm will reach you. Check Met Office warnings for the area you are in, then use the map to explore recent lightning.
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 United Kingdom
Frequently asked questions
- Is there lightning near United Kingdom right now?
- The map shows reported lightning flashes over United Kingdom 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 Third Generation Lightning Imager supplies the satellite flashes shown here. It detects lightning inside clouds as well as lightning towards the ground. A satellite dot marks detected light from a flash, rather than a confirmed ground impact.
- How live is the map?
- Boltwatch receives Meteosat reports in ten-minute batches, followed by a delivery delay. A newly displayed dot can therefore describe an older flash. The map shows recent observations and cannot confirm whether lightning is happening at this exact moment.
- How accurate are the lightning locations?
- Meteosat detects the light that lightning produces at cloud tops. This helps show a storm’s activity, but it does not locate a ground strike at a specific address. Some flashes may be missed, and delivery delays or source outages can leave gaps.
- Is BoltWatch free?
- Yes. There's no sign-up and no app to install. Open the page and the map runs.
- Where can I check official weather warnings for United Kingdom?
- Use Met Office UK weather warnings, linked in the local warnings section. Read the affected area, time period and instructions. Boltwatch’s reported flashes are observations, not official warnings, and an empty map is not an all-clear.