Lightning activity level

Lightning activity level (LAL) is a scale that describes degrees and types of lightning activity. Values are labeled 1–6.[1]

Lightning Activity Levels
Level Description
1 No thunderstorms
2 Isolated thunderstorms.
Lightning is very infrequent, 1–5 cloud-to-ground strikes in a five-minute period.
3 Widely scattered thunderstorms.
Lightning is infrequent, 6–10 cloud-to-ground strikes in a five-minute period.
4 Scattered thunderstorms.
Lightning is frequent, 11–15 cloud-to-ground strikes in a 5-minute period.
5 Numerous thunderstorms.
Lightning is frequent and intense, greater than 15 cloud-to-ground strikes in a five-minute period.
6 Dry lightning (same as LAL 3 but without rain).
This type of lightning has the potential for starting fires, and is normally highlighted in fire weather forecasts with a red flag warning.

References

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  1. ^ "Lightning Activity Level (LAL)". NOAA / NWS. Retrieved 4 July 2024.