Strokes of cloud-to-ground lightning strike the Mediterranean Sea off of Port-la-Nouvelle in southern France. Lightning is a natural phenomenon consisting of electrostatic discharges occurring through …

What is lightning? Lightning is a giant spark of electricity in the atmosphere between clouds, the air, or the ground. In the early stages of development, air acts as an insulator between the positive and …

See lightning strikes in real time across the planet. Free access to maps of former thunderstorms. By Blitzortung.org and contributors.

Jan 6, 2026 · Lightning activity surged to an eight-year high by the end of 2025, with new regional hot spots emerging as the new “lightning capitals.”

Dec 11, 2025 · Lightning, the visible discharge of electricity that occurs when a region of a cloud acquires an excess electrical charge, either positive or negative, sufficient to break down the …

Lightning is a giant spark of electricity in the atmosphere or between the atmosphere and the ground.

3 days ago · Scientists have known for decades how lightning travels once it forms, but the exact trigger inside a thundercloud stayed uncertain.

Lightning is an incredible force of nature. And like many natural phenomena, lightning is not always what it seems. Go behind the mystery and learn what's really going on when lightning strikes.

Local lightning strike map and updates. View our lightning tracker and radar. Visit today!

Jun 20, 2024 · What is lightning, and where does it come from? Lightning is a giant electric spark in the atmosphere and is classified based on whether it hits the ground or not.