Lightning forecasting in southeastern Brazil using the WRF model

► Potential Lightning Region (PLR) is a lightning forecasting method using a combination of variables from WRF model. ► WRF short-range runs of twelve thunderstorm cases were performed to propose two methods: the Linear PLR and Normalized PLR. ► Grell-Devenyi and Thompson were the WRF cloud parameterizations that best described the thunderstorms with lightning. ► Three case studies, including one non-occurrence lightning, were used to test the PLR methods. ► The Normalized PLR presented the most suitable one, predicting flash occurrence appropriately.