'Tis the season (for thunderstorms)

Springtime is when we really start thinking (or should) about thunderstorms, as from this point into at least June, we'll see our share.

Our typical weather pattern will be morning sunshine, with clouds building by noon, some afternoon thunderstorms, then clearing for overnight.

Colorado Averages 517,000 flashes per year. (This number was measured over a 9 year time period, 1996 through 2004). During that time, our state was 18th in the nation with respect to lightning strikes, and 3rd when it comes to lightning fatalities. (Thanks to NWSFO Pueblo, for the lightning information).

To determine how far away from you a lightning strike is, start counting the seconds between when you see the flash, and when you hear the rumble of thunder. For every 5 seconds you can count, the lightning is 1 mile away.

The National Weather Service encourages the 30/30 rule, which is..
"If you can count to less than 30 between the lightning flash and the thunder, go indoors, and stay there until 30 minutes after you hear the last rumble".

El Paso, Teller, Douglas and Jefferson counties, together with western Las Animas county, are the "lightning capitals" of Colorado.

Have a great spring, and "let's be careful out there".