Thunderstorms are storms marked by lightning and thunder, and they can bring rain, hail, strong winds, or sometimes little precipitation. Understanding how they form helps explain why they can develop quickly and produce dangerous weather.
A thunderstorm, also called an electrical storm or lightning storm, is a storm characterized by both lightning and thunder. A relatively weak thunderstorm may be called a thundershower. Thunderstorms form in cumulonimbus clouds, which can grow to heights exceeding 20 kilometres.
All flashcards
What is an updraft in a thunderstorm?
A rising current of air within the storm that helps build and sustain its cloud.
Why can a thunderstorm dissipate?
Its downdraft can spread cool air near the ground, cutting off warm, moist inflow and weakening the updraft.
What distinguishes a supercell from many other thunderstorms?
It has a powerful rotating updraft called a mesocyclone, with its updraft and downdraft separated.
What is a downburst?
A strong downdraft that hits the ground and spreads outward, producing damaging straight-line winds.
How can thunderstorms trigger asthma attacks?
Moisture can break pollen grains into smaller fragments that wind carries deep into the lungs.
Quiz questions
What defines a mesoscale convective system (MCS)?Answer: An organized thunderstorm complex larger than individual cells but smaller than an extratropical cyclone.
What is a squall line?Answer: An elongated line of thunderstorms, often forming along or ahead of a cold front.
What does advection contribute to thunderstorm movement?Answer: The mean wind carries the storm along.
What should someone do after hearing thunder?Answer: Seek shelter immediately in a substantial building or hard-topped metal vehicle.
What can weather radar help scientists track?Answer: Precipitation and storm structure across successive scans.
Based on the Wikipedia article Thunderstorm, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.