South Africa lightning map
The Highveld around Johannesburg and Pretoria has among the highest ground-flash densities on Earth through the summer storm season.
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Detected from EUMETSAT MTG-LI satellite data. Aggregate count for South Africa — your exact location and alerts live in the app.
About lightning in South Africa
South Africa's lightning is a Southern-Hemisphere summer story: from November to March, afternoon heating over the high interior plateau — the Highveld around Johannesburg and Pretoria — fires violent thunderstorms with frequent cloud-to-ground strikes and hail. Ground-flash density here is among the world's highest. Coastal Durban and Cape Town see their own frontal and convective storms. Knowing how close the nearest strike is, and whether it is approaching, is essential.
- Peak season
- November–March
- Region
- Africa
Cities in South Africa
Lightning safety in South Africa
When storms build across South Africa, 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 South Africa — home, work, the kids' school.
Your exact location stays on your device. Never shared. Never tracked.
Frequently asked
How does StrikeCast track lightning in South Africa?
StrikeCast reads EUMETSAT MTG-LI 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 South Africa in the free app to get a push alert when lightning closes in.
When is thunderstorm season in South Africa?
Lightning is most frequent November–March in South Africa.
Is it safe to be outside during a thunderstorm in South Africa?
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.