Lightning Map

Thunder in Estonia today

The real-time lightning map shows active thunder and lightning areas in Estonia and nearby. If you search for "thunder today", "thunder real-time" or "where is the thunder now", you will find up-to-date information here.

Thunder typically forms due to strong convection, i.e. vertical air movement. Warm and humid air rises, cools and forms cumulonimbus clouds. These clouds can produce lightning, heavy rain and gusts.

The real-time lightning map helps track where thunder is and in which direction it is moving.

How does the lightning map work?

The lightning map is based on lightning detectors and radar data that detect electrical discharges, i.e. lightning, in the atmosphere.

The map shows:

• ⚡ Lightning in real time or with a short delay
• 🌩 Thunderstorm activity areas
• 📍 Precipitation movement

Colours usually mean:

• yellow – low activity
• orange – moderate activity
• red – strong thunder
• purple – very intense thunderstorm area

Data is updated regularly, allowing you to follow thunder movement almost in real time.

Where does thunder occur most often in Estonia?

Thunder occurs most often in summer, especially in June and July.

Regional characteristics:

South Estonia

Higher elevations and warmer inland climate favour thunderstorm development.

Central Estonia

With warm and humid air, thunderstorms may form and move north or east.

North Estonia

Along the coast, thunder may weaken or strengthen depending on the sea.

Islands

There is less thunder on the islands than inland, but with strong low pressure, storms can be intense.

Thunder and heavy rain

Thunder often brings heavy rain, gusts, hail and sudden temperature changes.

The lightning map helps assess whether heavy rain is moving towards your area. For precipitation details, see the rain map.

Thunder in Tallinn – when will it arrive?

In Tallinn, thunder often depends on whether the storm moves from South Estonia northwards or approaches from the west over the Baltic Sea.

The lightning map helps answer:

• Is the thunder moving towards Tallinn?
• How far are the lightning strikes?
• How fast is the storm moving?

Real-time monitoring is especially important during summer thunderstorms. For city forecast, see Tallinn weather forecast.

How accurate is the lightning map?

The lightning map is very accurate for the next few hours as it is based on actual lightning detectors.

However, consider:

• lightning can strike unexpectedly
• thunder can quickly weaken or strengthen
• the radar may have a short delay

The lightning map is most accurate for the next 1–3 hours.

Thunder and safety

During thunderstorms, be careful:

• Avoid open areas and water bodies
• Do not shelter under trees
• Stay away from metal structures
• Unplug electrical equipment if needed

Thunder can be dangerous on land and at sea. For marine conditions, see marine weather.

National weather warnings at warnings.

Lightning map and weather changes

Thunder is often linked to rapidly changing weather. After a storm, temperature may drop, wind direction change and clouds clear.

The lightning map together with the forecast gives a complete overview of the next hours.

When is there most thunder in Estonia?

Statistically, thunder occurs most often in July, less in spring and autumn and rarely in winter.

Summer heat waves and humid air increase the likelihood of thunder.

Related tools

Besides the lightning map you can use:

• 🌧 Rain map– precipitation in real time
• 🌊 Coastal weather– beach conditions
• 🌬 Wind map– wind speed and direction
• 🌍 City weather forecasts– detailed overview

These tools together give a complete picture of weather in Estonia.

FAQ – Lightning map

Does the lightning map show lightning in real time?

Yes, the map is based on lightning detectors and shows active lightning areas.

How accurate is the lightning map?

It is very accurate for the next few hours, but thunder can change quickly.

Why does thunder not always appear on the map?

There may be a small delay or weak activity that the radar does not detect.

Does the lightning map also show rain?

It mainly shows lightning, but heavy thunderstorms often bring rain.

How to know if thunder is moving towards me?

Follow the movement and intensity of lightning areas on the map.