Is lightning near San Francisco right now?
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Free push alert when lightning approaches San Francisco. Your exact location and alerts live in the app.
Thunderstorm season near San Francisco
San Francisco sits in California, which averages about 10 thunderstorm days a year — below the US average of 25. Lightning near San Francisco 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 San Francisco
When thunderstorms build over San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?
StrikeCast shows the live distance in miles to the nearest strike near San Francisco, updated continuously from NOAA GOES-GLM satellite data, plus whether it is approaching or moving away.
Is it safe to be outside in San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
San Francisco sees the most lightning July–September, averaging about undefined thunderstorm days a year.
Can I get lightning alerts for San Francisco?
Yes. Get the free StrikeCast app, save San Francisco, and you will get a push alert when lightning approaches — no need to keep the app open.