How Many Times Per Day Does Lightning Strike Earth?
Lightning strikes reach the ground on Earth as much as 8 million times per day or 100 times per second, according to the National Severe Storms Laboratory. Out of all the lightning strikes in the world, the United States accounts for about 20 million of the total number of lightning strikes each year.
The majority of cloud to ground lighting strikes in the U.S. take place between Orlando and Tampa Florida. Lightning occurs frequently between these locations because there is a lot of moisture in the lower atmosphere and because surface temperatures are high, making it ideal for the forming of clouds which produce lightning. Mountains, skyscrapers, trees and other tall objects are the most vulnerable to lighting strikes since their tops are closer to the bottom of storm clouds, as compared to other smaller objects.
