Where in the world …

… is lightning striking?

It’s been a really strange summer here in Essex County.  In a normal summer, the day starts warm, proceeds to hot and humid during the afternoon, unbearable after supper watching the kids play baseball, and then a thunderstorm cuts loose to either cool things off or make it even more humid.

I know, it’s an over generalization but I thought that it might be a nice lead into this story.  

According to my weather app, we should be getting a storm tonight.

But, I want to know where it’s storming now.  Of course, we could turn to any of the mapping programs on the web and turn on satellite imagery and get an idea.  What if you want to know just where lightning is hitting – RIGHT NOW.

Then head to Blitzortung.

Right now, it’s 6:45am on Friday morning and worldwide, here’s what’s happening.

and, closer to home, let’s select North America and zero in around home.

Looking good, Ontario.  But look what is sitting over Minnesota/Wisconsin and could be headed our way.

Of course, you don’t know for sure and just take the website’s word for it that it’s accurate.  Details here.

However, it’s still going to be nice to verify the accuracy come the next storm.  In the meantime, it’s just one of those fascinating things.

Oh, did I mention that you should turn up your speakers to hear the hits?