The Influence of Solar Parameters on Lightning Activity over Northern India using Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) Data

Objective: This study utilizes data from the Global Hydrometeorology Resource Center (GHRC) and the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) to explore the relationships between solar parameters, lightning activity, and space weather conditions in Northern India from 1998 to 2014. Methods: The analysis explores temporal variations in lightning flashes (LF) in conjunction with solar indices such as Sunspot Number (SN), Solar Radio Flux(10.7cm), Cosmic rays’ intensity, and geomagnetic indices (Kp and Ap). Correlations with space weather dynamics are examined, and regional meteorological influences are considered to contextualize these relationships. Findings: Limited direct variation is observed between solar parameters and lightning activity. However, peak lightning activity coincides with solar cycles 23 and 24, during the monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons. Increased lightning occurrence during the pre-monsoon period is strongly associated with western disturbances—warm, low-pressure systems originating from the Mediterranean—and during the monsoon period, with deep convective systems driven by monsoonal circulation. Novelty: This study offers the first comprehensive spatial-temporal assessment of lightning activity in relation to solar parameters under diverse climatic regimes of Northern India. It highlights the significance of large-scale meteorological processes as primary modulators of lightning variability, providing deeper insight into the intertwined roles of space weather and regional meteorology. Keywords: Sunspot number, Lightning flashes, Cosmic rays, Solar radio flux (F10.7cm), Kp & Ap index