/lightning
The lightning endpoint delivers near real-time, high-resolution global lightning strike data—including type, location, and intensity. Up to 1,000 events from the past 5 minutes within a 100 km radius.
Lightning API
The Xweather Lightning API is built on real global detection infrastructure, backed by a proprietary global detection network with decades of operational use across aviation, defense, and national weather services.
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We know when lightning strikes
Reliable real-time lightning strike data
The Xweather Lightning API delivers real-time and historical lightning strike data powered by a proprietary global detection network with over 40 years of operational history.
Get your lightning data directly from the source with easy integration, advanced geospatial capabilities, and industry-leading support. From historical lightning to real-time strike detection and forecasting, our lightning API endpoints are ready to power weather-sensitive applications and solutions.
Access precise lightning strike location, polarity, peak current, classification, and timing through simple REST endpoints. Low latency delivery makes the API suitable for operational alerting, automated decision systems, and mission-critical applications.
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Lightning endpoints
/lightning/flash
The lightning/flash endpoint provides real-time data on individual lightning flashes, with precise metadata for location, intensity, and strike type. Each flash includes timestamp, location, type (cloud-to-ground or intracloud), polarity, and peak amperage. Up to 24 hours and 50,000 events.
/lightning/threats
The lightning/threats endpoint identifies and tracks active lightning hazard zones, providing real-time polygons identifying threat zones classified as new, persistent, dissipating, or cleared, based on ongoing lightning activity and storm trajectory.
/lightning/analytics
The lightning/analytics endpoint provides aggregated lightning statistics over time and space, enabling long-term analysis, risk assessment, and planning. Counts and densities of lightning activity over time, broken down by type, polarity, and intensity.
/lightning/summary
The lightning summary endpoint delivers a real-time, global snapshot of recent lightning activity for quick assessments and situational awareness of lightning pulses and strikes from the past 24 hours.
Integrations made easy
SDKs and toolkits
Our software development kits for iOS, Android, and JavaScript make it easy to integrate Xweather data into your apps and platforms—with the tools you need to move from prototype to production.
MCP ready
Integrate lightning data into your AI workflows with direct API access through our MCP server. Query, analyze, and use weather information for automated decision-making.
Test-drive the Xweather Lightning API
RESTful service providing precise global lightning data
Seamless integration into web, native, or mobile applications
Integrate static images or WebGL animations seamlessly with popular mapping platforms
Example request
Response
Bring lightning data to your applications
From historical lightning to real-time strike detection and forecasting, our lightning API endpoints are ready to power your weather-sensitive applications and solutions today.
2 billion lightning events yearly
We detect the precise time and location of over 2 billion lightning events every year.
40 years of lightning detection
No other company can match us for quality, accuracy, and coverage
99.99% uptime
24 hours a day without the need to purchase or maintain additional equipment or systems.
84 m median accuracy
84 m median accuracy with precision network and 1 km globally.
Connect to our MCP server
If you are building an agent that interacts with OpenAI, you can plug in the Xweather MCP server to provide real-world weather intelligence.
- Reduce integration friction
- Stay current
- Ship faster
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Visualize lightning in stunning clarity
Harness our API-powered MapsGL vector mapping platform to create lightning and other weather-threat visuals
- Smooth animations
- Full customization
Mapping libraries for every need
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Start building today
The Lightning API is included in the Weather API and Maps subscription, with access to all lightning data endpoints, and to high-resolution lightning visuals via Raster Maps and MapsGL.
Frequently asked questions
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