Thunderstorms
Introduction
A Thunderstorm, also known as an electrical storm or a lightning storm, is a storm characterized by the presence of lightning and its acoustic effect on the Earth's atmosphere, known as thunder. Thunderstorms occur in a type of cloud known as a cumulonimbus and are usually accompanied by strong winds, heavy rain and sometimes snow, sleet, hail, or no precipitation at all.
Formation
Thunderstorms are formed from the updraft of warm, moist air, typically along a front. As the warm, moist air moves upward, it cools, condenses, and forms a cumulonimbus cloud that can reach heights of over 20 kilometers. The energy that drives thunderstorm updrafts comes from the condensation of water vapor in the updraft and the release of latent heat.
Types of Thunderstorms
There are three main types of thunderstorms: single-cell, multi-cell, and supercell. Single-cell thunderstorms are small, brief, weak storms that are not severe and do not produce severe weather. Multi-cell thunderstorms are a group of storms which can cover a large area and last for several hours. Supercell thunderstorms are large, severe storms that are associated with severe weather phenomena such as tornadoes.
Characteristics
Thunderstorms can produce high winds, hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding. The most severe occur when atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of high instability and strong wind shear. Thunderstorms can also produce dangerous straight-line winds, flooding rain, and frequent lightning.
Lightning
Lightning is a giant spark of electricity in the atmosphere or between the atmosphere and the ground. In the initial stages of development, air acts as an insulator between the positive and negative charges in the cloud and between the cloud and the ground. When the opposite charges build up enough, this insulating capacity of the air breaks down, leading to a rapid discharge of electricity that we know as lightning.
Thunder
Thunder is the sound caused by lightning. The intense heat from lightning causes the surrounding air to rapidly expand and create a sonic shock wave that produces the sound of thunder. The sudden increase in pressure and temperature from lightning produces rapid expansion of the air surrounding and within a bolt of lightning.
Severe Thunderstorms
Severe thunderstorms are capable of producing hail that is an inch or larger or wind gusts over 58 mph. Severe thunderstorms can also produce tornadoes and flash floods. Severe thunderstorms can cause significant damage and pose a threat to life and property.
Safety and Precautions
When a thunderstorm threatens, individuals should move indoors to a strong building and stay away from windows. If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, individuals should take immediate action to protect life and property.