Updraft characteristics and thunderstorm strength
The visual appearance of the updraft can tell a lot about its strength and potential to produce a strong thunderstorm. As the updraft rises through …
Thunderstorm
Types of convective clouds – from fair-weather clouds to thunderstorms
Convection forms distinct types of clouds. Convective clouds are divided into two types (genera): cumulus and cumulonimbus. Each successive kind and species displays more vertical …
Thunderstorm basics: Understanding the power of nature
In this section, we will take a general look at the thunderstorms. What is a typical thunderstorm? We will examine its essential components and how …
Back-sheared anvil: The role of wind shear in shaping cumulonimbus anvil
A back-sheared anvil is the expression for a cumulonimbus anvil that spreads against (upwind) into relatively strong winds (jet stream) aloft. Anvil vs. wind …
The highest ever measured thunderstorms – how high can they go?
How high into the sky can thunderstorms develop – what are the highest ever measured thunderstorms? The most vigorous updrafts reach the tropopause and produce …
Convective initiation: Understanding thunderstorm development
Convection initiation typically starts along boundary-layer convergence zones. These zones have long been known to be key factors in convection initiation and further storm evolution. …
Red sprites, gigantic jets, elves: Captivating upper-atmosphere lightning
If ordinary lightning seems pretty ordinary, upper-atmosphere lightning is something else – an entire zoo of various upper-atmosphere electrical discharges. Red sprites, gigantic and blue …
Understanding severe thunderstorms: criteria and impact
During storm season, there is increasing talk about severe thunderstorms. What does “severe” in severe thunderstorms mean? When does a thunderstorm become severe? What criteria …