Lightning Forecast - Predictive

Retrieve lightning prediction data for forecast periods.

This endpoint provides lightning probability and forecast data generated by machine learning models. The predictions help anticipate lightning activity in specific geographic areas.

Key Features:

• Probability Forecasts: Lightning probability predictions
• Time-based Forecasts: Future time period predictions
• Geographic Coverage: Area-specific forecast data
• Multiple Products: Various prediction types available
• Caching: 300-second cache for optimal performance

Parameters:

• product (required): Type of prediction data
  • probability: Lightning probability forecasts
  • firststrike: First strike time predictions
  • allclear: All clear forecasts
• cfcache (optional): edge cache control, False fetches fresh data (default: True)

Response Format:

Returns a GeoJSON FeatureCollection containing:

• type: "FeatureCollection"
• features: Array of prediction features
• forecast_time: When the prediction was generated
• valid_time: Valid time for the prediction

Feature Properties:

Each prediction feature includes:

• probability: Lightning probability (0-1)
• forecast_time: Prediction generation time
• valid_time: Prediction validity period
• confidence: Model confidence level

Authentication:

Accepts either a Knox token (Authorization: Token <token>) or a FLASH API key (X-Flash-Api-Key: fw_sk_live_...).

Error Responses:

• 400 Bad Request: Missing or invalid parameters
• 401 Unauthorized: No valid credentials provided
• 503 Service Unavailable: Prediction service is down

Use Cases:

• Lightning safety planning
• Outdoor event management
• Weather forecasting applications
• Emergency preparedness

curl -X GET "https://example.com/thunderbolt/?cfcache=True&product=probability"

{  "type": "FeatureCollection",  "features": [    {      "type": "Feature",      "geometry": {        "type": "Polygon",        "coordinates": [          [            [              -74.1,              40.7            ],            [              -74,              40.7            ],            [              -74,              40.8            ],            [              -74.1,              40.8            ],            [              -74.1,              40.7            ]          ]        ]      },      "properties": {        "probability": 0.75,        "forecast_time": "2024-01-15T10:30:00Z",        "valid_time": "2024-01-15T11:30:00Z",        "confidence": 0.82,        "product": "probability"      }    }  ],  "forecast_time": "2024-01-15T10:30:00Z",  "valid_time": "2024-01-15T11:30:00Z"}