Abstract
Lightning associated with thunderstorms (TS) represents a major natural hazard worldwide. The occurrence of lightning is primarily governed by the dynamic and microphysical characteristics of thunderclouds, while the environmental conditions in which these clouds develop play a crucial role in modulating lightning activity. Information on the spatial and temporal variability of lightning and convection provides valuable insight into cloud electrification processes and resultant lightning activity. Such information is also essential for assessing the contribution of lightning to the global electric circuit and for improving lightning safety and protection strategies. Accurate representation of microphysical processes in tropical convection remains a significant challenge in meteorology. Over the Indian subcontinent, strong regional variability exists in the relationships between thunderstorm activity and thermodynamical, microphysical and dynamical parameters, leading to heterogeneity in lightning flash density. This variability is largely attributed to the accumulation of large ice particles in the upper regions of convective clouds, which is positively correlated with convective available potential energy (CAPE). The study reveals a strong linkage between lightning activity and ice‐related cloud properties, including snow, rainwater, cloud water and particularly ice Convective Precipitation flux (ICPF). Among these, ICPF exhibits the highest correlation with lightning, identifying it as a robust indicator of lightning activity. Lightning is strongly associated with convective rainfall produced by intense, vertically developed clouds, especially during the pre‐monsoon season. A weaker yet statistically significant relationship is also observed with stratiform rainfall. Overall, the findings highlight the influence of regional meteorological conditions, cloud microphysics and seasonal variability on lightning activity, offering valuable insights for improving storm prediction and understanding thunderstorm behaviour.