Westmeath not among areas most affected by lightning

Westmeath did not feature among the counties most affected by lightning in 2025, according to the latest European lightning flash report, a finding that will come as some reassurance locally in what was otherwise a steady year for thunderstorm activity nationally.

Figures published by Meteorage show that Ireland recorded 2,154 cloud-to-ground lightning flashes during 2025, a total broadly in line with climate normals and continuing an upward trend over the last decade.

None of the midlands counties appeared in the top 10 most lightning-struck counties.

Instead, the highest number of strikes was recorded in County Mayo, which topped the national table with 419 flashes. County Tipperary followed with 280, while Kerry (264), Cork (255), Limerick (149), Galway (112), Clare (85), Kilkenny (71), Donegal (60) and Wexford (57) completed the list.

The report notes that thunderstorm activity in Ireland was mainly concentrated between May and July, with July alone accounting for 660 cloud-to-ground flashes, almost a third of the annual total.

One of the most significant episodes occurred on May 20, when 378 lightning flashes were detected nationwide. County Tipperary was particularly affected that day, recording 104 strikes, nearly one-third of the national total in a single 24-hour period.

Despite 2025 being described at European level as the year with the fewest lightning flashes since Meteorage began recording data (1.226 million across the continent) Ireland’s activity remained within normal climatic ranges.

Spring 2025 was notably active by Irish standards, when the 630 cloud-to-ground flashes recorded made it one of the stormiest springs since records began in 1989, though still below the exceptional spring of 2024.

Summer proved relatively calm, and 1,142 flashes were detected across June, July and August due to persistent high-pressure systems limiting storm development. Autumn brought 154 flashes, placing it within normal seasonal values.

Across Europe, thunderstorm activity was concentrated between June and August. There was a marked continental peak in June when almost 284,200 cloud-to-ground flashes were recorded. Activity was especially pronounced around the Mediterranean basin, while northern and central Europe experienced more settled conditions.

Experts caution that lower overall numbers do not equate to lower risk. Meteorage notes that even in quieter years, localised storms can be intense and capable of causing significant damage to infrastructure, agriculture and transport.

The report also highlights a gradual northward shift in Europe’s thunderstorm belt over the last two decades, along with a lengthening of the storm season, marked by earlier spring episodes and later autumn activity.