GLM flash extent density product did a good job showing a jump in lightning activity over north central Kansas Tuesday afternoon. The flash extent density (upper right) increased some 10-15 minutes before the strongest reflectivity (upper left) was seen at the surface, showing that the lightning jump could have been used to get a lead time on potential hazards such as hail, etc. Also of note, there is no easily discernible change in the total optical energy (bottom right) product despite the detected increase in lightning activity. The average flash area product (bottom left) also exhibited little change.

Dave Grohl