Why South Dakota Faces An Increase In Lightning Strikes

As our weather transitions from the possibility of blizzards to the likelihood of thunderstorms, we find ourselves swapping one dangerous weather phenomenon for another.

With those spring and summer storms come an increased chance of lightning, which is becoming a real problem in America.

Last year, the United States reported 21 lightning-related deaths, which is the highest annual number in America since 2019.

According to Xweather's Annual Lightning Report, there were 252 million lightning strikes in the U.S. in 2025, an eight-year high and a 20% increase over 2024.

When it comes to where lightning strikes most often in the country, the skies above South Dakota are among the busiest.

The Mount Rushmore State recorded more than seven million lightning strikes in 2024, which is 11th overall. And while that might seem like a staggering number, it's a drop in the bucket compared to Texas.

The Lone Star State leads the country with more than 47 million strikes, nearly seven times more than South Dakota and more than double the next closest state (Florida).

STATES WITH THE MOST LIGHTNING STRIKES (2024)

Texas - 47,361,143
Florida - 20,034,067
Oklahoma - 17,658,353
Louisiana 12,624,227
Arkansas -12,229,238
Mississippi - 11,176,370
Kansas - 10,593,692
Nebraska - 9,179,528
Georgia - 7,910,840
Alabama - 7,801,773 10
South Dakota - 7,702,792

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