What is so special about thundersnow?

Thundersnow, also known as a winter thunderstorm or a thundersnowstorm, is an unusual kind of thunderstorm with snow falling as the primary precipitation instead of rain. It typically falls in regions of strong upward motion within the cold sector of an extratropical cyclone.

How is thundersnow formed?

Thundersnow occurs when normal snowstorm clouds begin to develop upward bumps, known as turrets. These turrets are caused by instability within the storm system, combined with a strong lifting mechanism.

Why is it called thundersnow?

The rare meteorological event happens when thunderstorms form in wintry conditions, sparking heavy downpours of snow, according to the Met Office. Just like with a typical storm, the snow is accompanied by thunder and lightning – hence, “thundersnow”.

Can it snow and lightning at the same time?

Thundersnow is a rare winter storm event that occurs when thunder and lightning happen during a snowstorm. If it all comes together, that enhanced upward motion of air increases snow growth and causes enough electrical charge separation within the cloud for lightning to strike.

How common is thundersnow?

The Science. Also known as thunder snowstorms or winter thunderstorms, a thundersnow only happens when a rare set of conditions occur. In fact, people only witness about 6.3 thundersnow events each year.

Why does rain and thunder make me happy?

Some psychologists argue that because our brain craves sensory input. The sound of rain or a thunder storm can appease the brain’s demands, which then calms us down. Sun, on the other hand, doesn’t do anything to diminish sensory input and keeps our brains wanting more stimulation.

What is thundersnow for kids?

Thundersnow is when thunder and lighting occur during a snowstorm. Thundersnow starts out like a summer thunderstorm. The sun heats the ground and pushes masses of warm, moist air upward, creating unstable air columns. As it rises, the moisture condenses to form clouds, which are jostled by internal turbulence.

What do January thunderstorms mean?

The general idea is that thunder develops in atmospheres conducive to — surprise! — thunderstorms. Now, that means if you’re hearing thunder in the winter, it could signal that a cold front is moving in. A moist weather system making its way through next could conceivably bring snow [source: Majoros].

Does thundersnow have lightning?

These shallow winter storm clouds contain a triple layering of positive-negative-positive charge regions. Tall towers are susceptible to lightning strikes. Some are tall enough to poke into that lowest layer of a cloud that holds a positive charge.

Where is thundersnow most common?

Occurrence. Thundersnow, while relatively rare, is most common in the Great Lakes area of the United States and Canada, the Midwestern United States, the Great Salt Lake and across the Northeastern states and provinces of the United States and Canada. March is the peak month of formation.

What do you call a person who loves thunderstorms?

So, a ceraunophile is a person who loves lightning and thunder, a lover of thunderstorms.