Thunderstorm Probability (Core Feature, Included)

The Global Thunderstorm Probability layer provides long-range guidance to help assess and plan for thunderstorm activity worldwide. This core feature forecasts lightning-related activity up to 14 days in advance, making it ideal for early-stage operational planning.

🌐 This feature is part of Tomorrow.io’s core data offering and is available to all platform and API users.

Key Capabilities

Forecast Coverage

• Up to 340 hours (approximately 14 days) into the future.
• Data is updated hourly using ECMWF-EPS ensemble forecasts.

Visualization Tools

• Use the map view and timeline to track thunderstorm probabilities across time and regions.
• Probability is expressed as a percentage, representing the chance that lightning flash density will exceed 0.1 flashes per 100 km² per hour.

Operational Use

• Build insights and alerts tied to thresholds that indicate elevated thunderstorm risk.
• Ideal for understanding general convective activity trends and identifying periods of increased weather hazard potential.

Platform & API Access

• Available on the Tomorrow.io platform (map and timeline).
• Accessible via the API. Refer to API Documentation for integration guidance.

Important Notes

• The thunderstorm probability layer is distinct from real-time Lightning Alerts, which remain the primary tool for short-term operational decisions.
• This product is best used for regional outlooks, not pinpoint strike predictions.
• Forecast cycles are updated every 12 hours. Short lead-time forecasts may carry timing uncertainty.
• Data begins at +3 hours due to the averaging methodology and switches from 3-hour to 6-hour intervals after +144 hours.

Need Help?

For questions or support, contact us at support@tomorrow.io or reach out to your Account Team.