Lightning Map

Thunder in Estonia today

If you search for "thunder today", "thunder real-time" or "where is the thunder now", you will find up-to-date information and an interactive map 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 combines NORDLIS lightning detector data with automatic station observations. Dots on the map are detected strikes; markers show stations where the phenomenon includes thunder.

The map shows:

• ⚡ NORDLIS lightning strikes (last 3 h)
• 🌩 Stations currently reporting thunder (EMHI phenomenon)
• 📍 Station location and latest observation time

Notes:

• a strike may appear before the station code updates
• when no strikes are detected, the map may still be calm
• for precipitation movement use the rain map
• official thunder warnings are on the warnings page

Data refreshes several times per hour. Combine the lightning map with the rain map and weather warnings before going to the beach, hiking or out at sea.

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 map uses the official NORDLIS lightning network and EMHI stations. It gives a good overview of detected strikes but does not replace personal safety judgment or official warnings.

However, consider:

• lightning can strike between stations too
• thunder can quickly weaken or strengthen
• there may be a short delay between observation and display

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?

The map shows stations where the weather phenomenon includes thunder – a station-based overview, not a separate lightning detector. Use the rain map for precipitation movement.

How accurate is the lightning map?

It reflects the latest EMHI station observations; thunder can change quickly and occur between stations.

Why does thunder not always appear on the map?

If no station reports thunder, the map stays empty. A short data delay is also possible.

Does the lightning map also show rain?

No – use the rain map (precipitation radar) for rain. The lightning map focuses on thunder at stations.

How to know if thunder is moving towards me?

Watch which stations report thunder and compare with rain radar movement. Check weather warnings too.