Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Lightning Activity in a High-Convection Tropical Region: Multi-Year Analysis over Western Java, Indonesia
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Western Java, including West Java Province, Jakarta, and Banten, represents one of Indonesia's most lightning-active regions due to persistent tropical convection and complex terrain influences. Reliable cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning detection in this environment is essential for operational weather monitoring and severe storm warning. This study evaluates the performance characteristics of a ground-based Lightning Detection Network (LDN) operated by BMKG using CG stroke-level data from 2022 to 2025 derived from operational lightning mapping and real-time monitoring systems. Spatial analysis reveals that several localized hotspots experience peak annual CG stroke densities ranging from 12 to 37 strokes km⁻² year⁻¹ (with cumulative 4-year densities reaching up to 75 strokes km⁻² in localized hotspots). Grid-based density mapping was applied to identify persistent lightning hotspots across urban lowlands and mountainous regions. Seasonal and diurnal variability, peak current distribution, and temporal detection stability were statistically examined under varying monsoonal regimes. Results indicate consistent seasonal and diurnal signatures characteristic of tropical convection, with peak activity occurring during the rainy season and late afternoon hours. The upgraded network, leveraging modernized Boltek LRX-1 receivers with high-precision RS485 GPS synchronization, demonstrates stable temporal performance and robust validation against historical localized networks. This operational assessment supports continued enhancement of lightning-based early warning capability in densely populated tropical environments.
Authors: Pardede, Daniel, Darmawan, Fauzik
Language: English
Subfield: Atmospheric Science
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7215040549