A geospatial investigation of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons in Dakshina Kannada district during the years 2021 to 2023

Background: Lightning is a natural phenomenon that poses significant hazards in regions like Dakshina Kannada, India. This coastal district, located between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, experiences frequent lightning, especially during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons, necessitating a deeper understanding of its patterns for effective disaster management. This study investigates the spatial and temporal distribution of cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning strikes in Dakshina Kannada from 2021 to 2023, focusing on the correlation between land use and land cover (LULC) changes and lightning density.Methods: Data were collected from the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) and other sources. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, particularly ArcGIS 10.8, were used to create density maps, choropleth maps, and spatial overlays. LULC maps were derived from Sentinel-2A satellite imagery to analyse seasonal trends and spatial correlations with lightning strikes.Results: High lightning density was observed in Kadaba, Belthangadi, and Sullia, especially during the pre-monsoon months. Forested areas with moisture-laden trees were more prone to lightning strikes, while urban areas showed lower densities. Seasonal analysis highlighted increased lightning activity during the pre-monsoon season.Conclusions: The study provides insights into lightning patterns in Dakshina Kannada, emphasising the influence of topography and LULC on lightning distribution. These findings support targeted disaster management strategies, including early warning systems and public education campaigns. Future research should examine the impact of urbanisation and climate change on lightning patterns.