Canada lightning map
Canada's thunderstorms are a short, sharp summer affair — most active across the Prairies and southern Ontario, where Winnipeg ranks among the country's lightning capitals.
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Detected from NOAA GOES-GLM satellite data. Aggregate count for Canada — your exact location and alerts live in the app.
About lightning in Canada
Canada's lightning is concentrated into a brief but intense warm season. From June to August, heat and humidity surging north from the United States fire afternoon and evening thunderstorms across the Prairies — Winnipeg, Regina and Saskatoon see frequent storms — and through southern Ontario and Quebec around Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. The Pacific coast and the far north stay relatively quiet. Because these storms build fast and travel far across open country, the live distance to the nearest strike and whether it is approaching are what give you warning.
- Peak season
- June–August
- Region
- Americas
Cities in Canada
Lightning safety in Canada
When storms build across Canada, the distance to the nearest strike matters more than a country-wide count. Follow 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 live distance and trend so you can act before the storm reaches you.
StrikeCast app
Distance, trend & alerts — in your pocket.
GPS-precise distance to the nearest strike, live approaching/moving-away trend, and push alerts for every place that matters across Canada — home, work, the kids' school.
Your exact location stays on your device. Never shared. Never tracked.
Frequently asked
How does StrikeCast track lightning in Canada?
StrikeCast reads NOAA GOES-GLM satellite data, updated continuously, to show how far away the nearest strike is and whether it is approaching or moving away. Save any city in Canada in the free app to get a push alert when lightning closes in.
When is thunderstorm season in Canada?
Lightning is most frequent June–August in Canada.
Is it safe to be outside during a thunderstorm in Canada?
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 live distance and trend help you decide before the storm arrives.