You're in the middle of your mountain tour and suddenly dark clouds appear? Don't panic! With the right behavior during thunderstorms in the mountains, you can get back to the valley safely. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about thunderstorms in the mountains.
Table of contents
What is the right behavior during thunderstorms in the mountains?
Where can I find shelter from thunderstorms in the mountains?
Why are thunderstorms in the mountains particularly dangerous?
How do I recognize an approaching thunderstorm while hiking?
What do I need to consider when planning a tour?
Conclusion
What is the right behavior during thunderstorms in the mountains?
Your heart is pounding, the first lightning flashes on the horizon - and you're standing in the middle of an unprotected ridge. Now every second counts! The right behavior in a thunderstorm determines whether you get home safely or become an emergency. Many mountaineers underestimate the speed at which thunderstorms can develop. What just looked like harmless spring clouds can turn into a life-threatening storm within minutes.
If you notice the first signs of a thunderstorm, you need to act immediately! The right behavior during a thunderstorm can save lives. Here are the most important immediate measures:
Get down quickly and seek shelter - This is your top priority. Leave open, unprotected areas as quickly as possible, but stay safe. Rushing leads to accidents, and you really don't need that right now.
Avoid these areas at all costs:
- Ridges and crests
- Peaks and high, open areas
- Individual trees or rocks
- Metal via ferratas
The right posture is crucial: crouch down, keep your feet together and minimize contact with the ground. This will significantly reduce the risk of being struck by lightning.
Behavior in a group: Keep at least 3 meters distance from each other. If someone is struck by lightning, the others can provide first aid. Agree who will carry the first aid kit for hiking - every second counts in an emergency.
Where can I find shelter from thunderstorms in the mountains?
The seconds tick by, the thunder gets louder - but where the hell do you hide now? The search for shelter is often a matter of life and death. Many hikers make the mistake of choosing the first shelter they can find, without realizing that some supposedly "safe" places are even more dangerous than staying out in the open. A single tree, for example, magically attracts lightning - and then you are standing right in the strike zone.
Thunderstorms in the mountains require quick but well-considered decisions. The topography of the mountains offers you various options - you just need to know which ones are really safe. Here you will find the best shelter locations:
Ideal shelter locations:
- Mountain huts - The best protection you can get
- Caves - But only deep caves, not mere rock crevices
- Sheltered hollows - At least 30 meters away from trees
- Valleys - Away from the exposed heights
You should avoid:
- Via ferrata areas (metal conducts lightning!)
- Free, unprotected rocks
- Waterfalls and streams
- Stand-alone trees
Use natural terrain: A hollow between trees of the same height is much safer than an open slope. An insulating base is also important - your sleeping mat or rucksack will protect you from ground current.
The right equipment makes all the difference: waterproof clothing will keep you dry and warm while the storm passes. Remember to store metal objects such as hiking poles at least 30 meters away.
Why are thunderstorms in the mountains particularly dangerous?
"Oh, it's just a bit of rain!" - This is a fatal mistake made by many mountain beginners. Thunderstorms in the mountains are in a completely different league to harmless summer showers in the lowlands. Up here, you are practically defenceless against the forces of nature. While you find relative safety between houses and trees in the valley, you quickly become the highest point in the landscape on the mountain - and therefore the perfect lightning rod.
The figures speak for themselves: statistically speaking, 80% of all lightning accidents in the mountains occur between July and September. This is no coincidence, but is due to the special conditions in the mountains. Thunderstorms in the mountains are significantly more dangerous than in the lowlands - and there are several reasons for this:
- Unprotected location: you are practically at the mercy of lightning. While you are "hidden" between houses and trees in the valley, on the mountain you stand like a lightning rod in the landscape.
- Frequency of lightning strikes: Statistically, lightning strikes 3-5 times more frequently at higher altitudes. The mountains literally "attract" thunderstorms.
- Additional risks: Thunderstorms don't just bring lightning and thunder. Rain can trigger rockfall, and sudden changes in the weather can catch you completely unprepared. A drop in temperature of 20°C in just a few minutes? Completely normal in the mountains!
- Heat storms develop quickly: especially in summer, thunderstorms can build up within 30 minutes. Just a moment ago, the sun was shining brightly and suddenly it's crashing overhead.
How do I recognize an approaching thunderstorm while hiking?
"Where the hell did the thunderstorm come from?" - unfortunately you hear this phrase far too often in the mountains. Yet the warning signals are usually clearly recognizable if you know what to look out for. The problem is that many hikers are so engrossed in their tour that they overlook the signs of nature. However, recognizing an approaching thunderstorm in good time can mean the difference between an exciting adventure and a fight for survival.
In the mountains, thunderstorms often develop from harmless spring clouds to dangerous storms within 20-30 minutes. This rapid development makes early detection so crucial. Nature sends you clear signals - you just have to learn to read them. Early detection is your best protection. Here are the most important warning signals:
First signs:
- Towering cumulonimbus clouds (the typical "anvil clouds")
- Sudden calm or change in wind direction
- Electrical voltage in the air (hairs stand on end)
- Strange noises or humming
You can calculate the distance of a thunderstorm: Count the seconds between lightning and thunder and divide by three. The result is the distance in kilometers. Less than 10 seconds (approx. 3 km) is critical!
Typical weather conditions for heat thunderstorms:
- Muggy, oppressive air in the afternoon
- High humidity after hot days
- Calm winds in combination with strong sunlight
A look at the weather forecast before the tour is a must. Modern weather apps even show you rain radar and lightning activity in real time. Take advantage of the expertise of the locals - they know the local weather conditions best.
By the way: interpreting weather signs correctly is a skill that helps every mountaineer! You can find out more about this in our detailed article here.
What do I need to consider when planning a tour?
"I wish I had planned better..." - This is the thought that goes through the minds of many mountaineers when they suddenly find themselves in a thunderstorm. Yet 90% of all critical situations can be avoided when planning a tour. Many people underestimate how important it is not only to know the route, but also to play through possible weather scenarios.
You can develop the best storm strategy at home at the kitchen table - not just when the first lightning strikes. Professional mountain guides often spend just as much time planning as they do on the actual tour. There is a good reason for this: well thought-out tour planning is your first and most important line of defense against thunderstorms in the mountains.
Good tour planning is half the protection against thunderstorms in the mountains
Timing is everything: start early! Most warm thunderstorms occur between 2 and 6 pm. Plan your tour so that you are already descending by midday or have reached a safe shelter.
Route selection: Choose routes with several descent options and known shelters. You should avoid ridges and unprotected crests if thunderstorms are possible. Find out about mountain huts along the route.
Interpret the weather forecast correctly:
- Probability of thunderstorms over 30%? Plan alternative tours
- Temperatures above 25°C? Warm thunderstorms are likely
- High humidity? Perfect conditions for thunderstorms
Flexible alternatives: Always have a plan B and C. Defining fixed turnaround points helps with difficult decisions. Better to turn back once for nothing than once too little!
The right weatherproof outdoor clothing will protect you from the wet and wind if the thunderstorm does come. A hard shell jacket and waterproof trousers definitely belong in your rucksack if the weather is uncertain.
Summarizing key points:
- Thunderstorms in the mountains are life-threatening - the unprotected location makes you a lightning rod
- Early detection saves lives - observe weather signs and calculate the storm distance
- Descend immediately if there is a risk of thunderstorms - avoid ridges, summits and other open, unprotected areas
- Seek shelter in mountain huts or caves - use insulating materials
- Plan your tour with the weather forecast - start early and plan flexible alternatives
- Keep calm - correct body posture with minimum ground contact area
- Remove metal objects - store hiking poles and climbing equipment at least 30 meters away
- Weatherproof clothing protects against moisture and wind during thunderstorms
- Carry a first aid kit - be prepared for emergencies and injuries
Remember: mountains are unpredictable, but with the right knowledge and preparation you can survive thunderstorms safely. Respect nature, but don't let the fear of thunderstorms stop you from going on your mountain tours!
