A storm becomes electrified.
As a thunderstorm develops, electrical charges separate within the cloud. When the electric field becomes strong enough, lightning can discharge between the cloud and the ground.
Lightning abatement / Targeted intervention
Reduce lightning where it matters most.
Skyward works with risk managers to deploy targeted interventions that safely reduce cloud-to-ground lightning in the highest risk storms.
Lightning abatement footage coming soon
The approach
A tool for the highest-risk days.
A single storm can ignite multiple fires across a region, putting pressure on firefighting resources and threatening communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems.
Lightning abatement is intended for the limited number of days when wildfire risk is particularly high. It is an additional tool alongside forecasting, detection, preparedness, and response.
Why lightning mattersLightning abatement 101
Inside the storm.
Lightning abatement focuses on the electrical charge inside selected thunderstorms. It does not target rain, hail, snow, or any other form of precipitation and is not designed to change cloud structure.
Intervene.
In selected storm cells, an aircraft introduces a very small amount of conductive mineral fibres. The intervention helps electrical charge redistribute within the cloud.
Change the path of discharge.
The intervention allows charge to dissipate within the cloud and reduce cloud-to-ground lightning. Field observations and statistical analysis are used to evaluate the outcome.
2025–2026 / Field evaluation
76%
Estimated first-hour reduction in cloud-to-ground lightning.
The headline result
What the data show.
Skyward's field analysis estimated a 76% reduction in cloud-to-ground lightning during the first hour following intervention, compared with the modelled activity expected without intervention.
Explore the evidenceKnow where risk is building.
Skyward’s Vista platform helps identify where and when lightning-driven wildfire risk is greatest, supporting preparedness and planning.
Explore VistaField results and independent review.
Explore the field results, independent review, and answers to common questions.
Explore EvidenceStart a conversation
Request a Briefing Let’s discuss wildfire risk.
Talk with our team about lightning and lightning-ignited wildfire risk management.