Lightning-Rich June: 358,000 Discharges in Austria

In June 2025, around 358,000 lightning discharges were registered in Austria. According to the Austrian Severe Weather Center, this value corresponds to the average of recent years. However, meteorologist Nikolas Zimmermann emphasizes that significant regional differences were observed: In Vienna, Burgenland, and Styria, lightning activity was 30 to 50 percent above the long-term average.

Styria the Most Lightning-Rich State

In a comparison of the federal states, Styria recorded the highest number of lightning discharges with over 131,000 – equivalent to eight lightning strikes per square kilometer. Close behind is Burgenland with 7.7 and Upper Austria with 5.4 lightning strikes per square kilometer. Carinthia was the least active with an average of 1.2 discharges – a decrease of around 60 percent compared to the multi-year average.

At the district level, Graz stands out with a lightning density of 34.3 per square kilometer. "The geographical location on the southeastern edge of the Alps favors the formation of thunderstorms," explained Zimmermann. Particularly moist and energy-rich air masses in conjunction with the surrounding mountain ranges create ideal conditions there.

Lightning Record Measured in Tyrol

The strongest single discharge was measured in June in Tyrol: In Sölden, a lightning strike reached a current strength of 287,700 amperes – a peak value for Austrian conditions.

(APA/Red)

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