Abstract: This paper is based on the atmospheric electric field meter and lightning location date of a strong thunderstorm in chengdu area on September 17, 2010. The evolution characteristics of ground electric field in the initiation, development and extinction of thunderstorms are analyzed. By comparing the monitoring network data, the ground electric field instrument can accurately reflect the law of lightning activity. Combining the ground electric field instrument with the lightning location data can greatly improve the accuracy of lightning warning, In the meantime, the lightning alert in the focus area is realized. The warning model has the characteristics of high time efficiency and high accuracy, and can effectively make up the deficiency of the existing lightning warning method. At the same time, it provides a reference for the evolution and classification detection of the strong convective weather system in Sichuan province.