Method and apparatus for predicting lightning threats based on radar and temperature data

A computer-implemented method of displaying predictive lightning data, comprising the steps of:

• (1) displaying on a computer screen predicted lightning threat areas, each predicted lightning threat area corresponding to a predetermined geographic area in relation to a geographic map;
• and
• (2) superimposing on the computer screen structures in relation to the geographic map, such that locations of the predicted lightning threat areas can be visually compared to locations of the structures.

A system for predicting lightning threat data, comprising:

• a computer that receives radar and temperature vs. height data;
• and
• a computer program that executes on the computer, the computer program comprising a lightning threat algorithm that compares the received radar and temperature vs. height data with predetermined thresholds to identify geographic areas having cloud tops that exceed a height corresponding to a predetermined temperature threshold and having a radar reflectivity value that exceeds a predetermined reflectivity threshold, and generates information that identifies geographic areas that meet both the predetermined temperature threshold and the predetermined reflectivity threshold as lightning threat areas.