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Thunderstorm sounds

Updated 22 October 2026

A thunderstorm combines everything people love about rain with the deep rumble of thunder. The thunder here is real, recorded in storms by field recordists, and rolls in at random moments over real rain, so the storm never settles into a pattern. For sleep, choose the distant storm.

Thunderstorm sounds

Press play

Play
ThunderstormHeavy rain, wind, and thunder rolling through.
Play
Distant stormThunder far away and soft rain.
Play
Heavy rainA downpour, dense and loud.
More about heavy rain
Play
Storm on a tentRain on the tent, thunder, and trees in the wind.

Play opens the sound masker with this mix already loaded, so you can hear it and shape it.

How to set it up

  1. Press Play on Thunderstorm for a full storm.
  2. For sleep, choose Distant storm. Thunder is lower and farther away.
  3. If a thunderclap wakes you, open it in the sound masker and lower Thunder to under 20.

Thunder and rain for sleep

Many people love falling asleep to a storm. The trick is to keep the thunder far away. Close thunder is a sudden loud event, exactly what sleep sounds are supposed to cover. Distant thunder is a slow rumble that blends into the rain.

A storm without the storm

If storms frighten you or your dog, a quiet recorded storm can help get used to them over time. Start very low, pair it with something pleasant, and raise it slowly over many days.

Questions

Are thunderstorm sounds good for sleep?

Yes, if the thunder is distant and soft. Loud thunder can wake you.

Does the thunder repeat?

Not in a pattern. Several real thunder recordings play at random moments, each at a slightly different volume and position.

Related

Rain soundsReal steady rain for sleeping that never loops.Heavy rainA dense downpour that covers almost anything.DogsCalm a dog home alone, during storms, or on fireworks night.SleepRain, brown noise, fans, and ocean for the whole night.