Changes of meteorological parameters and lightning current during water impounded in Three Gorges area

• The surrounding microclimate changed after impoundment of Three Gorges Project.
• Average air temperature presents rising trend in Three Gorges area during water impoundment.
• Average relative humidity appears descending trend in Three Gorges area during water impoundment.
• Appearance frequency of lightning current above 100 kA is increased evidently.
• Changes of meteorological parameters lead to enhance the lighting activity.

With the completion of Three Gorges Project and its water impoundment started from 2003, a big reservoir with water area of 1.08 × 109 m2 and volume of 3.93 × 1010 m3 has been formed, which causes the surrounding microclimate changed. This paper compared the changes of meteorological parameters and Cloud-to-Groundare one of the reasons that lead to lighting activity enhancing.