Thunderstorms

This large white cloud creates thunderstorms. In a thunderstorm, there may be heavy rain, thunder, and lightning. These storms move quickly. Scientists have named this type of cloud "cumulonimbus." Click on image for full size version (353K JPG) Courtesy of Angie J Venturato

It is late afternoon. The white puffy clouds that have been growing all day are replaced by a greenish sky. A distant rumble is heard...then another. It starts to rain. A flash of light streaks the sky, followed by a huge BOOM. Welcome to a thunderstorm.

Thunderstorms are one of the most thrilling and dangerous of weather phenomena. Over 40,000 thunderstorms occur throughout the world each day.

Thunderstorms can cause a lot of damage. Tornadoes can uproot trees and demolish buildings. Hail can damage cars and crops. Heavy rains can create flash floods. Lightning can spark a forest fire or hurt you. Safety during a thunderstorm is really important.