Weather tools
Lightning Distance Calculator
Estimates the distance to a lightning strike based on the time difference between seeing the flash and hearing the thunder.
Before you use this tool
Use this if
- Estimates the distance to a lightning strike based on the time difference between seeing the flash and hearing the thunder.
- You want a calculation that exposes its formula: Distance (kilometers) = Speed of Sound (m/s) * Time Difference (seconds) / 1000
- You already have Time Difference (Seconds) values to enter.
Skip this if
- You need an official emergency alert or life-safety instruction.
- You need a certified professional forecast instead of a calculator estimate.
When to use or skip it
Use this if
- Estimates the distance to a lightning strike based on the time difference between seeing the flash and hearing the thunder.
- You want a calculation that exposes its formula: Distance (kilometers) = Speed of Sound (m/s) * Time Difference (seconds) / 1000
- You already have Time Difference (Seconds) values to enter.
Skip this if
- You need an official emergency alert or life-safety instruction.
- You need a certified professional forecast instead of a calculator estimate.