Where does lightning strike the most in the US? This map breaks it down by county

Thunderstorms can develop at any time of year in the U.S., but they typically occur during the warmer months of spring, summer and fall. All types of thunderstorms carry one major threat: Lightning.

Warm air and humidity are the perfect ingredients for thunderstorms. You hear that rumble in the distance or a loud clap that sounds like a whip cracking. You can bet there's a thunderstorm brewing, and it's glowing with lightning.

About 242 million lightning flashes were recorded during 2023 in the U.S., according to a recent report by Vaisala Xweather, which tracks each stroke of lightning. That's the most in at least the past seven years, the company said.

Where lightning strikes: States with the highest lightning density

Last year, there were more lightning strikes in Texas overall last year, but Florida frequently has the highest lightning strike density in the U.S. – that's, more lightning strikes per square kilometer in the state.

Compared to the average for 2016–2022, the red areas on the map below experienced more lightning in 2023. Within the blue areas, lightning had less than average in 2023.

The National Lightning Detection Network finds that during the past six years, the U.S. averaged annually 23.4 million flashes, 55.5 million strokes (the visible bright, flickering light we see) and 36.8 million ground strike points.

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When lightning strikes: Top dates for total lightning strikes

Five of the top 10 lightning days in 2023 happened from June 14 to June 21 – when the Northern Hemisphere experienced its highest temperatures. The most intense lightning storms ranged from the edge of the Rockies, through the Middle Plains and to the Southeast. Large thunderstorms in the Northern Plains and eastern states also contributed.

Daily lightning strikes peaked in June

The peaks on the graphic below reflect storm systems moving across the country.

Summer is the most common time for lightning fatalities

According to the National Weather Service, lightning caused 13 deaths in the U.S. in 2023. That was down from 19 in 2022. From 2006 through 2021, lightning strikes killed 444 people (about 28 per year) in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How does lightning form?

Lightning is basically a huge, static electric shock inside a storm cloud. Storm clouds hold millions of tiny water droplets and ice crystals. The turbulent winds inside a cloud cause the droplets and crystals to bounce into each other and create a positive charge.

As they crash into each other, the droplets collide with other moisture. As the moisture rises, it condenses. This creates a negative charge in the lower portion of the cloud. Lightning flashes when there's a strong enough attraction between positive and negative charges.

Anatomy of a lightning stroke

A single bolt of lightning can heat the air around it to 54,000 degrees. Because of this high temperature, the air expands rapidly. The expansion generates a shock wave, which creates a booming sound wave, or thunder.

Ways to avoid becoming a victim of lightning

The  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's motto "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!" has helped countless people.

On average, 21 people are killed by lightning each year in the U.S., says John Jensenius, a meteorologist with the National Lightning Safety Council. That's down from 2001 when the country averaged 55 per year. Most victims are struck in open areas, such as on beaches or golf courses, or when they take shelter from the rain under a tree.

Lightning can also be dangerous in your home. Here are some tips to reduce your risks:

CONTRIBUTING Doyle Rice/USA TODAY

SOURCE Vaisala Xweather Annual Lightning Report 2023, National Weather Service, Center for Science Education; AccuWeather, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The USA TODAY Weather Book