A lightning tracker lets weather observers track thunderstorms in and around their local area. The tracker is connected to a lightning detection network which locates electromagnetic discharges in the atmosphere with the help of Very Low Frequency or VLF receivers.
Lightning strikes are shown in real-time on a zoomable map, but during times of severe weather, a delay of a few seconds may occur due to increased server load.
Many websites show real-time lightning maps and animations, including historical data archives. Listed below is a selection of sites offering data from the UK and worldwide.
Free Lightning Trackers
Blitzortung
Track current thunderstorm activity worldwide and access archives back to January 2019.
LightningMaps
View real-time lightning strikes across the UK and Europe. Toggle the options for audible alerts and thunder sound fronts when zoomed in.