I know many if you are seeing the dramatic lightning strikes in the area. Be safe and take the necessary precautions of avoiding any outside activities during heavy lightning storms

The Pacific Northwest is known for its dramatic weather patterns, including powerful lightning storms that can appear with little warning. Keeping track of these storms is crucial for public safety, environmental monitoring, and even outdoor planning. NOAA’s GOES satellite system provides an excellent resource for tracking lightning activity in real time, offering detailed insights into storm development and movement.

The link to the real time tracker is here:

https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/goes/sector_band.php?sat=G18&sector=pnw&band=EXTENT3&length=12

The GOES satellite interface, particularly the PNW sector available on NOAA’s GOES website, allows users to monitor lightning activity across the region. By selecting the “Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM)” and “EXTENT3” views, users can access high-resolution, time-lapse imagery that highlights lightning activity over the past several hours.

Features of the GOES Satellite Lightning Tracker:

1. Real-Time Lightning Data: The tool displays lightning strikes and storm clusters, helping users understand where lightning is most active.

2. Interactive Time-Lapse: View lightning activity over a 12-hour period to track the movement and intensity of storms.

3. Enhanced Visualization: The EXTENT3 band offers enhanced contrast, making it easier to identify storm boundaries and lightning hotspots.

4. Regional Focus: With a dedicated sector for the Pacific Northwest, users can zero in on local weather phenomena without distractions from broader national data.

Why Track Lightning Storms?

1. Public Safety: Real-time lightning tracking helps individuals and organizations prepare for severe weather, reducing risks to life and property.

2. Environmental Monitoring: Lightning is often associated with wildfires, particularly in dry regions of the Pacific Northwest. Early detection can help fire management teams respond more effectively.

3. Event Planning: For outdoor activities, understanding storm patterns ensures safety and prevents disruptions.

To use the GOES lightning tracker effectively:

1. Navigate to the PNW sector on NOAA’s website.

2. Select the time interval and imagery type to visualize the desired data.

3. Use the interactive map to zoom in on specific areas of interest.

By leveraging NOAA’s GOES tools, residents and authorities in the Pacific Northwest can stay informed about lightning storms, enhancing safety and preparedness during the region’s dynamic weather events.