I always check the hourly forecast when planning a ride. Sometimes the full day forecast will have a lightning icon, but when you look at the forecast it might not be until late in the day. I also like checking the radar because the forecast isn't always right.

I'm intolerant of the heat so I often leave the house by 5 am for a long ride. Unfortunately the revised forecast isn't posted until 6 am, so I can end up with unpleasant surprises.