This is an exciting month for me. The American Meteorological Society annual national conference is being held in Houston at the GRB and I’m giving the welcome to Houston talk. I will be one of several talks that deal exclusively with the weather in Houston. That’s timely, because 2026 is a big year for our city.
As we kick off 2026, we’re officially less than five months away from the start of the FIFA World Cup. It is the largest sporting event in the world and interestingly, it could also end up being the largest lightning-risk event ever.
A decade of data: NRG Stadium ranks 3rd
New research being presented at the AMS Annual Meeting analyzed 10 years of lightning data around each World Cup venue, focusing on the tournament window from June 11 through July 19. The results are eye‑opening.
Between 2016 and 2025, more than 1.2 million lightning detections were recorded within 30 miles of NRG Stadium. That places Houston:
- #3 among all World Cup venues for lightning activity during the tournament window
- Just behind Hard Rock Stadium in Miami
- About 40% lower than AT&T Stadium in Arlington, which tops the list
Equally important is when the lightning occurs. Most strikes happen between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., exactly when most matches, fan events, and outdoor activities are scheduled. The lightning density map within 20 miles of NRG (shown below) highlights how active our area is.
Inside NRG Stadium itself, fans are protected: it’s a safe place to be during a thunderstorm. But that doesn’t eliminate risk. Lightning safety still has to be taken very seriously for:
- People walking to and from the stadium
- Tailgates and fan festivals
- Staff, vendors, and operations outdoors
- Training sessions and other events at practice facilities
This is where planning and public communication become critical.
Chris Vagasky, the author of this study, will present his full findings at the AMS conference and I’ll share more detailed results after his talk.
2025 lightning deaths: A year in review
In 2025, there were 21 known lightning‑related deaths across the United States and its territories. That makes 2025:
- The deadliest lightning year since 2019, and
- Slightly above the 10‑year average of 20 deaths
Those 21 deaths came from 18 separate lightning incidents, three of which involved multiple fatalities. Lightning deaths occurred on 16 different days, with the deadliest being September 22, when three people were killed.
Where did these deaths occur?
Fatalities were reported in 12 states and one U.S. territory:
- Florida: 4 deaths
- North Carolina, Oklahoma, Georgia, New Jersey, Colorado: 2 deaths each
- Mississippi, Texas, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Puerto Rico: 1 death each
Victims ranged in age from 17 to 68. Consistent with long‑term statistics, the majority were men: 18 of 21.
When did they happen?
Most deaths occurred during the heart of thunderstorm season:
- June: 7 deaths
- July: 5 deaths
- September: 5 deaths (well above the average of two)
- April: 2 deaths
- August: 1 death
- October: 1 death
June and July alone accounted for more than half of all fatalities.
What were people doing?
Nearly all fatalities 20 of 21 happened during outdoor activities:
- Water‑related activities (9 deaths):
- Fishing: 6
- Boating: 1
- Beach activities: 2
- Hunting: (5 deaths)
- Sports (3 deaths):
- Golf: 2
- Soccer: 1
The hunting‑related fatalities are especially striking. Between 2006 and 2024 (a 19‑year period), only three lightning deaths were tied to hunting. In 2025 alone, there were five.
Lightning safety: Urgent, simple, and life‑saving
There is no safe place outdoors when thunderstorms are in the area.
If you can hear thunder, you are already close enough to be struck by lightning. That means you are in danger right now. The rule is simple:
“When thunder roars, go indoors.”
Every year, people are killed or injured because they wait too long to seek shelter. Delaying action even by a few minutes dramatically increases risk. Do not wait for rain, strong wind, or lightning directly overhead. If storms are approaching, act early and move to safety.
The only reliable way to protect yourself from lightning is to avoid exposure altogether:
- Have a lightning safety plan before storms develop.
- Cancel or postpone outdoor activities early when thunderstorms are in the forecast.
- Continuously monitor weather conditions.
- Move to shelter before the weather becomes threatening.
What counts as safe shelter?
Safe:
- Substantial, fully enclosed buildings
- Fully enclosed, hard‑topped vehicles
Not safe:
- Rain shelters and picnic pavilions
- Small sheds
- Tents
- Open vehicles or soft‑top vehicles
Once indoors:
- Stay away from anything that conducts electricity.
- Avoid corded phones, plugged‑in electronics, and plumbing (sinks, showers, bathtubs).
- Keep clear of windows, doors, and garage floors.
- Cell phones and cordless phones are safe to use.
The bottom line
Lightning is fast, unpredictable, and deadly but lightning deaths are highly preventable.
As Houston prepares to host the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, lightning needs to be treated as a core safety issue, not an afterthought. For organizers, broadcasters, teams, and fans, the message is the same:
Take storms seriously. Act early. Get inside. Stay alive.