Electrical fields are associated with electrical charges; the fields are proportional to the attractive or repulsive force on a given charge. Worldwide thunderstorm activity results in the presence of atmospheric charges, and hence atmospheric electric fields, throughout the globe. Under fair weather conditions atmospheric electric field measured at the Earth’s surface is typically between -100 and –200 volts per meter. As the local electric field increases, thunderstorm activity dramatically increases in magnitude. Hence, atmospheric electric field is useful in thunderstorm research and in assessing the local lightning hazard.

Electric field has historically been measured using a rotating vane electric field mill. Campbell Scientific offers the CS110 electric field meter that offers several advantages over the traditional rotating vane field mill. The CS110 can be integrated into an automated weather station to provide a full range of meteorological measurements, data storage, communication, and control.