Decrease of Schumann resonance frequencies and changes in the effective lightning areas toward the solar cycle minimum of 2008-2009

► Observations of the electric component of Schumann resonances at Modra are analysed. ►Frequencies and Q-factors of all first four SR modes decreased from 2002 to 2009. ►Decrease of first two SR mode frequencies was greater than in the previous solar cycle. ►Effective thunderstorm areas are calculated from diurnal frequency range. ►Difference between the NH and SH summer areas almost vanishes in deep solar minimum.