Where does the lightning data come from?

The NZ Government via MetService, Transpower and international data too.

How often does it update?

Every 60 seconds for LIGHTNING PLUS and PRO users. The free version is updated every 15 minutes.

Where can I view the Lightning map?

Simply tap on the left hand menu and go to Maps.

How do I set up Lightning push notifications?

For LIGHTNING PLUS and PRO users only, set up your lightning alerts under “My Alerts” so you get push notifications.

Why can’t we see precisely where the lightning is?

Not all strike placements are 100% accurate, so MetService places some limitations around this – but if you have feedback please provide feedback to technical@weatherwatch.co.nz.

Help! I’m getting spammed by too many lightning alerts!

Simply use our “snooze button”, which you can find under “My Alerts”. Sometimes during a thunderstorm outbreak you can get numerous alerts every minute – you can pause notifications for 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes, and simply monitor the lightning in the live lightning map.

Does this capture every single lightning strike?

Basically yes, but not all. Global providers often don’t have lightning trackers on the ground. MetService and Transpower have 10 ground trackers, which means our services are not only lightning fast, but also capturing almost every single local lightning strike in NZ, up to about 90 to 95% accuracy.

How do I track the movement of lightning outside of this map?

Use the rain radar to better visually see where the heaviest rain is – often in thunderstorms (but not always) the heaviest rain is under or close to the cluster of lightning strikes.

How do I get lightning alerts?

Sign up to LIGHTNING PLUS or PRO in our app. Both provide real time live lightning alerts pushed to your phone. You set the distance you want to get alerts (ie, within 25km of my home).

I have WeatherWatch Pro which allows me 10 saved locations. Does that mean I can get 10 locations for lightning alerts?

No, MetService places limitations on how many alerts a single user can have – the LIGHTNING PLUS tier allows one location, and the PRO tier allows for two locations anywhere in NZ to have push alerts for real time lightning.

I have suggestions about how this can be improved – or complaints I’d like to make

Send us your feedback to technical@weatherwatch.co.nz. Please note, we won’t be replying to most comments but it’s a good chance for you to let us know what we could do better, or what you love/dislike the most.

I have technical issues and need help

Email us at technical@weatherwatch.co.nz.