Live lightning map of Washington
Lightning is rare west of the Cascades in Washington, but eastern Washington gets summer thunderstorms whose dry lightning can spark wildfires.
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 Washington
NOAA’s GOES-East and GOES-West Geostationary Lightning Mappers supply the satellite flashes shown over the Americas and nearby oceans. They detect light from lightning inside clouds and towards the ground, without labelling each flash as a ground strike.
GOES reports usually reach Boltwatch about a minute after detection, although delivery can take longer. Check the observation time when opening a flash. Missing reports or a source outage can leave gaps, so an empty map does not mean it is safe outside.
Follow storms and check local warnings
Check the official warning area, valid period and instructions for your location. Reported lightning does not replace the warning service.
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 Washington
Other places in United States
Frequently asked questions
- Is there lightning near Washington right now?
- The map shows reported lightning flashes over Washington 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?
- NOAA’s GOES-East and GOES-West Geostationary Lightning Mappers supply the satellite flashes shown over the Americas and nearby oceans. They detect light from lightning inside clouds and towards the ground, without labelling each flash as a ground strike.
- How live is the map?
- GOES reports usually reach Boltwatch about a minute after detection, although delivery can take longer. Check the observation time when opening a flash. Missing reports or a source outage can leave gaps, so an empty map does not mean it is safe outside.
- How accurate are the lightning locations?
- GOES lightning pixels are about 8 km across near the centre of the satellite view and 14 km near its edge. Those sizes are not a guarantee of ground-strike accuracy. Use the flashes to explore storm activity, rather than to identify a street or building that was hit.
- 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 Washington?
- Use National Weather Service warnings and local forecasts, 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.