Weather Things: Thunderstorm Ingredients

Thunderstorms are visually striking and can be dangerous. They form from cumulonimbus clouds and involve electrical activity, gust fronts, and turbulence. Key ingredients for their formation include moisture, instability, and a lifting mechanism. Thunderstorms can occur in winter, producing thunder snow. They pose hazards to aviation and transportation due to lightning, hail, and strong winds. Severe thunderstorms are classified by wind speeds over 57 mph and may include hail and tornadoes. Warnings and watches are issued to alert the public. Thunderstorms can produce downbursts, causing straight-line winds similar to tornadoes.

What is the primary reason pilots avoid flying near thunderstorms?

• The bright lightning can blind pilots.

• The rapid updrafts and downdrafts can destabilize aircraft.

• The heavy rain can cause engine failure.

• The loud thunder can damage aircraft communication systems.

Which of the following is NOT a necessary condition for the formation of a thunderstorm?

• Lifting mechanism

• Stable atmosphere

• Unstable atmosphere

• Moisture

What does the presence of hail in a thunderstorm indicate about the storm's upper portion?

• It is very humid.

• It is very dry.

• It has temperatures below freezing.

• It is experiencing strong winds.

At what wind speed is a thunderstorm classified as severe in the United States?

• Over 57 miles per hour

• Over 50 miles per hour

• Over 40 miles per hour

• Over 30 miles per hour

What is a severe thunderstorm watch?

• A warning that a severe thunderstorm is currently happening.

• A notice that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms.

• An alert that a tornado has been spotted.

• A signal that all thunderstorms have passed.

What is a downburst in the context of thunderstorms?

• A gentle breeze that follows a storm.

• A type of lightning that strikes the ground.

• A rapid downward movement of air from a thunderstorm.

• A sudden increase in temperature during a storm.

What is the difference between a downburst and a microburst?

• A microburst is larger in area than a downburst.

• A downburst occurs only in winter.

• A microburst occurs only in summer.

• A downburst is larger in area than a microburst.