Heat Persists in the South Central U.S. and Southwest; Heavy rains in the Desert Southwest and Central Plains

Sweltering heat remains across the South-Central Plains, Lower/Middle Mississippi Valley, and the Southwest this week with limited nighttime relief. Thunderstorms will bring heavy rainfall leading to localized flash flooding in portions of the Desert Southwest and central Plains. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across portions of the central Plains into the Northeast. Read More >

Lightning Safety

There are an estimated 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes each year in the United States, nearly 800,000 of which occur in Illinois alone.

Lightning can be fascinating to watch, but it is also extremely dangerous – it is the underrated killer.

Each year in the United States, more than 1,000 people are struck by lightning.

The 10-year average was around 55 fatalities each year when Lightning Safety Awareness Week began in 2001. The 10-year average has now dropped to around 23 deaths per year.

Visit the NWS Lightning Safety Awareness web page for more information

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

Lightning Messages (Click on images below for a larger graphic)

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