StrikeCast

Is lightning near Los Angeles right now?

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Free push alert when lightning approaches Los Angeles. Your exact location and alerts live in the app.

Live lightning strike map near Los Angeles
Strikes · NOAA GOES-GLM

Thunderstorm season near Los Angeles

Los Angeles sits in California, which averages about 10 thunderstorm days a yearbelow the US average of 25. Lightning near Los Angeles is most frequent July–September.

CA thunderstorm days/yr
10
Peak season
July–September
vs US average
0.4×

State-level NOAA climatology; a city-specific thunderstorm-day normal isn’t published for every station.

Lightning safety in Los Angeles

When thunderstorms build over Los Angeles, the distance to the nearest strike matters more than a city-wide count. Use the 30-30 rule: if thunder follows lightning by 30 seconds or less, get indoors, and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before heading back out. StrikeCast surfaces the distance and trend so you can act before the storm reaches you.

Frequently asked

How far away is the nearest lightning to Los Angeles?

StrikeCast shows the live distance in miles to the nearest strike near Los Angeles, updated continuously from NOAA GOES-GLM satellite data, plus whether it is approaching or moving away.

Is it safe to be outside in Los Angeles right now?

If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck. Follow the 30-30 rule: shelter when thunder follows lightning by 30 seconds or less, and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder. StrikeCast's distance and trend help you decide before the storm arrives.

When is thunderstorm season in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles sees the most lightning July–September, averaging about undefined thunderstorm days a year.

Can I get lightning alerts for Los Angeles?

Yes. Get the free StrikeCast app, save Los Angeles, and you will get a push alert when lightning approaches — no need to keep the app open.

Nearby lightning maps