How do air movements produce a thunderstorm?

Thunderstorms arise when layers of warm, moist air rise in a large, swift updraft to cooler regions of the atmosphere. Columns of cooled air then sink earthward, striking the ground with strong downdrafts and horizontal winds. At the same time, electrical charges accumulate on cloud particles (water droplets and ice).

How the updraft motion of air creates a thunderstorm?

The release of instability causes air to accelerate in the vertical. This is the reason air rises so quickly to form thunderstorms. In any thunderstorm, rising motion is occurring since that air rising in the updraft of the storm is less dense than the surrounding air.

How does the wind move in a thunderstorm?

Downward moving cold air spreads out when it hits the ground, often resulting in gusty winds. An upward moving air current that cools and condenses as it rises is what results in the thunderstorm forming. A downward moving air current develops as the storm matures and precipitation begins to fall.

What causes high winds and thunderstorms?

Rain falling from a thunderstorm evaporates underneath the cloud, cooling the air beneath it. This cold heavy air plunges to the surface and “splashes” against the ground like a bucket of cold water. The air then rushes sideways resulting in strong winds.

Where do thunderstorms happen?

Thunderstorms are most frequent in the Southeast U.S., especially along the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Florida. Thunderstorms are also fairly frequent in the rest of the Southeast U.S. into the Great Plains of the U.S. (more than 50 days per year, on average, with thunderstorms).

Why is vertical wind shear important for tornado formation?

Finally, a large amount of vertical wind shear is important in order to form and maintain the structure of a supercell thunderstorm. This extreme wind shear allows for the updraft to be tilted and separated from the downdraft. Both directional and speed shear are important in supercell and tornado formation.

In which stage of development is the vertical motion of air within an ordinary thunderstorm primarily upward?

The Cumulus Stage When warm, moist air moves upward in an updraft, puffy cumulus clouds may form in the atmosphere.

What will vertical wind shear result in?

When strong vertical wind shear is present, the top of a tropical storm or hurricane can be blown hundreds of miles downstream. In this case, the storm can become very lopsided or tilted in the vertical and begin to unwind as dry air is drawn in and/or the flow of warm, moist air into the entire storm is disrupted.

What are effects of thunderstorms?

Thunderstorms can bring heavy rains (which can cause flash flooding), strong winds, hail, lightning, and tornadoes. Severe thunderstorms can cause extensive damage to homes and property. Lightning is a major threat during a thunderstorm.

What are the effects of thunderstorms?

What causes vertical wind shear?

Wind shear is the change in speed and direction of wind over a short distance. It is most often caused by microbursts from thunderstorms, temperature inversions, and surface obstructions. Commonly, pilots must pay close attention to wind shear as they navigate aircraft.