Lightning Density - Warning Decision Training Division (WDTD)

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Lightning Density

Short Description

Cloud-to-Ground (CG) Lightning Density (flashes min^-1 km^-2) is derived from Vaisala’s National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) data.

Subproducts

Cloud-to-ground Lightning Density

1 minute
5 minute
15 minute
30 minute

Primary Users

NWS: WFO, CWSU, SPC, AWC

FAA: Tower, TRACON, ARTCC, ATCSCC, AFSS

Other: EM

Input Sources

NLDN CG Flashes

Resolution

Spatial Resolution: 0.01^o Latitude (~1.11 km) x 0.01^o Longitude (~1.01 km at 25^oN and 0.73 km at 49^oN)

Temporal Resolution: 2 minutes

Product Creation

CG Lightning Density is derived using NLDN data. A temporal one-minute average of lightning flashes is determined for each grid cell, roughly 1 km x 1 km in dimension. Cloud-to-ground lightning flashes with values less than 5 kA are filtered out because they are likely intra-cloud flashes.

Technical Details

Latest Update: MRMS Version 10

References

None

Strengths

Often allows for faster initial thunderstorm detection than radar alone.

Can be used to identify thunderstorms in areas without radar coverage.

The density grid is often less cluttered and easier to interpret than point lighting data.

Limitations

Only provides CG lightning data from the Vaisala network.

Does not provide lightning polarity information.

Quality Control

Quality control of the raw lightning data is provided by Vaisala. No additional quality control occurs at the MRMS level other than converting it into a density grid.

Applications

Thunderstorm detection, particularly in regions with no radar coverage.

Useful for assessing trends in thunderstorm intensity and coverage.

Useful for tactical and short-term strategic decisions about air traffic routing.

Useful for decision support services (DSS) for outdoor venues.

May help to identify volcanic ash.

Example Images

Fig. 1: 30-minute Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Density