The traditional way to view lightning data in an operational environment is by looking at the locations of the various strikes plotted on the map as either an +, -, or an x depending on polarity and whether the lightning is cloud to ground or intracloud. While this does give an indication of where more frequent lightning is occuring it doesnt of much in the way of details. The Formula layer in Ninjo now allows users to look at at lighning data in terms of the density of lightning strikes or the total current.
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| Traditional View of lightning Data |
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Below is an optional way of viewing lightning data, plotted as the total current detected and plotted in a 3 km grid. Notice that the lightning data itself almost appears cellular. This should not be unexpected givin the relation between lightning and its correlation to updraft location and intensity.
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| Total Current product on a 3 km grid spacing |
It should also come as know surprise that the current density product looks very similar to the total current product above, although there may be some subtle differences.
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| Current Density on a 3 km grid |
There is still much unknown about lightning and its correlation to severe weather. Anecdotal observations would suggest that sudden increase in lightning flash rate is related to severe weather, and also that intense storms tend to be prolific lightning producers.
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