The Life Cycle of Thunderstorms

Did you know that 1,800 thunderstorms occur at any moment around the world?? That is 16 million a year!?? So what causes thunderstorms?

Thunderstorms need three things to develop:

1. Moisture: To form clouds and rain
2. Unstable air: Warm air that can rise rapidly
3. Lift: Caused by cold or warm fronts, sea breezes, mountains, or the sun’s heat

Click to Enlarge

The life cycle of a thunderstorm is in three stages:

1. Developing Stage:
   1. Towering cumulus cloud indicates rising air
   2. Usually little if any rain
   3. Lasts about 10 minutes
   4. Occasional lightning
2. Mature Stage:
   1. Most likely time for hail, heavy rain, frequent lightning, strong winds, and tornadoes
   2. Storm occasionally has a black or dark green appearance
   3. Lasts an average of 10 to 20 minutes but some storms may last longer
3. Dissipating Stage:
   1. Downdrafts, downward flowing air, dominate the storm
   2. Rainfall decreases in intensity
   3. Can still produce a burst of strong winds
   4. Lightning remains a danger

Looking to understand severe thunderstorms?