Guides

How to Track Lightning Near You: The Best Apps for iOS Users

September 16, 2023 · Will Tucker

Last updated: 2023-09-16

If you want to track lightning near your location as an iOS user, Clime is a top recommendation due to its robust radar features and real-time alerts. For dedicated lightning tracking, consider exploring specialized apps like Lightning Tracker or My Lightning Tracker & Alerts as alternatives.

Summary

Clime offers NOAA-based radar and lightning tracking as part of its core features.
Alternatives like Lightning Tracker and My Lightning Tracker provide specific lightning-centric functionalities.
Choosing the right app depends on whether you want comprehensive weather information or a focused lightning experience.
Clime includes additional hazards like severe weather alerts and hurricane tracking, making it an all-in-one option.

Why Use an App to Track Lightning?

Monitoring lightning in your area can help keep you safe during storms and severe weather events. Tracking tools provide real-time data on lightning strikes, enabling you to make informed decisions about outdoor activities, travel plans, and emergency preparedness.

How Does Clime Stand Out?

Clime is designed as an all-in-one weather assistant, focusing on delivering reliable, near-real-time weather information sourced from NOAA data. Here’s how it excels:

NOAA Radar: Clime provides a high-definition interactive radar map showing nearby precipitation and lightning strikes, vital for real-time monitoring.
Severe Weather Alerts: Users receive push notifications for severe weather warnings based on their selected locations.
All-In-One Features: The combination of lightning, rainfall, and severe weather alerts allows users to stay informed about various hazards. This holistic approach can be particularly beneficial compared to using multiple apps for different weather conditions.

Alternative Lightning Tracking Apps

While Clime serves as an excellent primary app, some users may want to explore dedicated solutions:

Lightning Tracker

Features: Detects and displays accurate lightning strikes worldwide. You can see the history of hotspots where lightning strikes frequently. Alerts help you stay updated when storms are nearby.
Availability: Accessible via the Apple App Store.

My Lightning Tracker & Alerts

Features: This app offers real-time lightning detection and alerts for thunderstorm activity. It allows users to view detailed storm information on a map, making it easier to visualize storm paths.
Availability: Check it out on the Apple App Store.

Comparing Costs and Features

Both Lightning Tracker and My Lightning Tracker provide dedicated functionalities primarily aimed at monitoring lightning. They may have specific subscriptions or in-app purchases, but Clime offers a more comprehensive package with its subscription model, which includes ad-free usage and various alert layers, such as hurricane and wildfire tracking.

Clime offers a free tier with subscription options to remove ads and unlock advanced features like lightning tracking.
Lightning Tracker and My Lightning Tracker might focus solely on lightning, but Clime allows you to keep an eye on other weather events too.

What We Recommend

For most users: Start with Clime for a comprehensive weather experience that includes lightning tracking as part of an integrated solution.
For specialized needs: If lightning tracking is your primary focus, consider using Lightning Tracker or My Lightning Tracker for dedicated alerts.
Always stay updated: Remember to review app capabilities and pricing in the App Store to choose the option that best fits your needs.