Lightning activity level (LAL) is a scale that describes degrees and types of lightning activity. Values are labeled 1–6.[1]
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | No thunderstorms |
| 2 | Isolated thunderstorms. Lightning is very infrequent, 1–5 cloud-to-ground strikes in a five-minute period. |
| 3 | Widely scattered thunderstorms. Lightning is infrequent, 6–10 cloud-to-ground strikes in a five-minute period. |
| 4 | Scattered thunderstorms. Lightning is frequent, 11–15 cloud-to-ground strikes in a 5-minute period. |
| 5 | Numerous thunderstorms. Lightning is frequent and intense, greater than 15 cloud-to-ground strikes in a five-minute period. |
| 6 | Dry lightning (same as LAL 3 but without rain). This type of lightning has the potential for starting fires, and is normally highlighted in fire weather forecasts with a red flag warning. |