How many lightning flashes occur worldwide per minute?
Lightning may be rare in one place, yet a global long-term average gives it a constant rhythm.
Long-term mean estimate
One-minute equivalent
about 2,600 flashes
Average replay · not live data0.0 s / 60s
An evenly paced average replay, not a live observation or tracking feed.
Source and calculation
Satellite-based global mean of about 44 flashes per second × 60
This uses a satellite-based estimate of about 44 flashes per second from a NASA technical report, including in-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning.
How to read this number
The animation replays a historical global mean, not today's weather or a live lightning count.
Scope and caveat
Mean estimate including in-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning, not a live count.