Lightning is a significant threat to life and property.
It can strike at any time, but is most common in the summer months.
NOAA’s GOES East and GOES West satellites carry the
Geostationary Lightning Mapper, the first instrument of its kind
flown in geostationary orbit.
GLM detects and maps lightning activity within storms.
Rapid increases in lightning activity can indicate a storm may
intensify and become severe.
GLM can show forecasters areas where the risk of lightning strikes
presents a public safety hazard.
GOES satellites can not only detect current lightning activity,
but their data can also help predict the occurrence of lightning in the future.
An artificial intelligence model called LightningCast predicts
where lightning is most likely to occur up to 60 minutes in advance.
Forecasters use LightningCast to help keep people who are working
and participating in outdoor events safe.
GOES satellites are critical for both warning of imminent severe weather
and for predicting hazardous conditions in the future.
When storms brew and lightning threatens,
GOES data helps keep the public safe and informed.
Earth From Orbit: Lightning Safety
LightningCast imagery courtesy of CIMSS.
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