Name: These states top the U.S. in lightning activity
Uploaded: 2026-01-06T17:36:33.677Z
Duration: 41 s
Description: Lightning supercharged the U.S. sky in 2025, with a new report revealing an eight-year high in activity, a single day that produced more than 3 million lightning events and severe weather outbreaks that lit up the nation. From Texas to Florida and Oklahoma in between, these states racked up the top titles.

Lightning supercharged the U.S. sky in 2025, with a new report revealing an eight-year high in activity, a single day that produced more than 3 million lightning events and severe weather outbreaks that lit up the nation. From Texas to Florida and Oklahoma in between, these states racked up the top titles.

In 2025, the United States experienced a significant increase in lightning activity, reaching 252 million lightning events, the highest in eight years. April 5th stood out as the most active day due to a major severe weather outbreak. 

Texas recorded the highest total number of lightning flashes, while Florida led in lightning density. Polk County, Florida, had the most lightning by total, and Seminole County led in density. For the first time in years, Shady Grove, Oklahoma, was recognized as the city with the highest lightning density in the nation.

These states top the U.S. in lightning activity

Lightning lit up the skies in a big way in 2025. The U.S. saw 252 million lightning events in an eight-year high. The most electric day of the year? April 5th, thanks to a massive severe weather outbreak. When it comes to total lightning, Texas reigns supreme. But for lightning density, Florida takes the crown. The flashiest county by totals? Now that's Polk County. And by density? Seminole County. But for the first time in years, a new state has claimed the lightning capital. Shady Grove, Oklahoma recorded the highest lightning density of any city in the nation. Now that is shocking.

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