Effect of small urban areas in central Spain on the enhancement of cloud-to-ground lightning activity

Cloud-to-ground (CG) flashes in and around nine small towns of Spain were analysed using data of three years. CG-lightning activity was enhanced within and downwind (east) of most of these urban areas. The increase in lightning was examined in relation to population, urban size, PM10 and SO2 concentrations. The results show that larger population and higher SO2 concentration contribute to the increase in the number of CG-flashes. Urban size and PM10 concentration did not seem to be related to the enhancement in CG-lightning activity. In five of the nine towns examined, the enhancement in CG-lightning was most pronounced during 1200–2100 local time.