INCREASING LIGHTNING ACTIVITY IN THE ARCTIC REGION : A TWO-YEAR STUDY

Abstract

Lightning, a rare phenomenon in the high latitude Arctic regions, has been increasingly observed in recent years. This study focuses on lightning events observed in the high-latitude Arctic (above 70°N) during 2019 and 2020, with data sourced from the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) and ERA5 reanalysis. The analysis examines Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) and surface temperature (t2m) to understand their effects on lightning occurrences. The study shows that lightning activity predominantly occurs during the northern summer months, with a significant correlation between elevated CAPE values and an increase in lightning events. Despite the Arctic's generally stable atmosphere, elevated CAPE values indicate significant atmospheric instability. These findings underscore the importance of further research into the factors driving lightning in the Arctic. © 2024 IEEE.