Characteristics of thunderstorm from 1959 to 2008 in Tianyang, Guangxi province

Based on thunderstorm data from 1959 to 2008 in Tianyang, the characteristics of thunderstorm were analyzed by climate trend rate method and climate trend coefficient method. The results show that thunderstorm day increases in the recent 50 a in Tianyang. The first thunderstorm day is ahead and the last thunderstorm day delays. Monthly characteristics of thunderstorm day are similar to those of air temperature and precipitation. Thunderstorm day is the most in August, and then decreases obviously in September. Thunderstorm day is more in summer than in spring, and less in autumn and winter than in spring. Thunderstorm day during April to September (rainy period) accounts for 90% of the total. Thunderstorm often occurs during 14:00 to 20:00, then during 20:00 to 08:00, yet seldom during 08:00 to 14:00. This study can provide references for thunderstorm and lightning protection and so on.