Thunderstorms are a powerful and fascinating display of nature’s force. These storms can occur anywhere on Earth, but they are most common in areas with warm, humid climates. Thunderstorms are capable of producing lightning, hail, strong winds, and heavy rain. In this article, we will take a closer look at thunderstorms: what causes them, the different types of thunderstorms, how to stay safe during a thunderstorm and more.
What Causes Thunderstorms?
Thunderstorms form when warm air rises from the surface of the earth into cooler air above it. The rising air cools as it ascends and eventually condenses into clouds. As more moisture accumulates within these clouds, they become thicker and heavier until there is enough energy for lightning to discharge within them.
The three main ingredients necessary for the formation of thunderclouds include:
1) Moisture – Water vapor that evaporates from oceans or lakes
2) Instability – Warm moist air that rises rapidly
3) Lift – A mechanism that forces warm moist air upwards
Types Of Thunderstorms
There are three primary types of thunderstorms: Single Cell Storms (also known as Pulse Storms), Multicell Storms (Clustered), and Supercell Storms.
Single Cell Storms/Pulse Storms:
These storms last about an hour or less in duration. They often pop up quickly due to localized heating causing rapid vertical development within 15-30 minutes before dissolving shortly thereafter once cooling begins again.
Multicell/Clustered Thunderstorm Systems:
A group of single-cell storms may merge together into a larger system called a multicell storm system (also known as clustered). This type often lasts several hours since new cells continually develop while others begin to dissipate over time due mainly to outflow boundaries interacting with other cells.
Supercells:
Supercells are long-lived rotating storms which produce intense rainfall rates exceeding 2 inches per hour, hailstones that can exceed 2 inches in diameter and tornadoes. The rotating updrafts of a supercell storm can last for several hours or more.
The Anatomy Of A Thunderstorm
Thunderstorms have three primary stages: the cumulus stage, the mature stage, and the dissipating stage.
1) Cumulus Stage:
During this first stage, warm air rises rapidly from the surface which causes a cumulus cloud to form. As this cloud grows taller and thicker it becomes visible as a towering cumulonimbus cloud often referred to as “thunderhead.” This is an indication that there is enough energy for lightning to begin discharging within it.
2) Mature Stage:
In this second phase, the thunderstorm has reached its maximum intensity with heavy rainfalls accompanied by lightning strikes that occur both within clouds (cloud-to-cloud) and between clouds and ground (cloud-to-ground). Strong winds may also occur during this stage due to downdrafts generated by precipitation pulling cool air downward.
3) Dissipating Stage:
Finally, after reaching peak intensity during the mature phase of development, these storms will gradually start to weaken as they reach their third phase. The conditions necessary for maintaining such strong thunderstorms are no longer present. Cooling temperatures at higher altitudes cause descending air currents which lead to less moisture being available resulting in weaker cells until eventually disappearing altogether.
How To Stay Safe During A Thunderstorm
Thunderstorms can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. Here are some safety tips you should follow when you hear thunder:
1) Seek Shelter: If possible move indoors immediately when you hear thunder sounds nearby.
2) Avoid Open Areas: Do not be near trees or any tall structures.
3) Stay Away From Electrical Equipment: When inside avoid using electrical equipment like computers or appliances; unplug them until after storm passes over your location
4) Wait At Least 30 Minutes: Wait for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before going outside again.
Conclusion
Thunderstorms are fascinating and dangerous natural events that can occur anywhere in the world. They come in different types and stages, each with its unique characteristics but all sharing a common element- energy. These storms can be beautiful to watch from afar, but it is essential to take care during these types of weather conditions. By following simple safety guidelines, you can protect yourself from potential harm while enjoying the incredible power of Mother Nature.