Monday, March 2, 2015

Thunderstorms



Thunderstorms!

What is a thunderstorm? 
A thunderstorm is a storm with lightning and thunder. Cumulonimbus clouds cause thunderstorms, and they usually include fast winds, heavy rain and sometimes even hail.
Cumulonimbus Cloud
What causes a thunderstorm?
Moisture, unstable air and lift are the building blocks upon which thunderstorms are formed. The moisture forms clouds which eventually give us rain. Warm, unstable air that can rise rapidly is a key ingredient in the making of thunderstorms. Finally, you need lift, which can form from fronts, sea breezes or mountains.

When are thunderstorms most likely to occur?
Thunderstorms are possible all-year long, at any time of the day. However, they are most likely to happen in the spring and summer months, which provide the warm air - a necessary component of thunderstorms. They are also more likely to occur during the afternoon and evening hours.

More interesting facts about thunderstorms                       

By: Kiara Ward

Great summary about thunderstorms. I've included a short cartoon video that may be used for the lower elementary grades about thunderstorms. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to9deI79Z34


According to the nyc.gov website, Every thunderstorm produces lightning. Use the 30/30 rule to determine how close or far lightning is from you. "If you see lightning, count the seconds before you hear thunder. If it's less than 30 seconds, take cover and wait 30 minutes before venturing out"


Did you know how many thunderstorms occur a year?

By: Julianne Salinger

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service, approximately 1,800 thunderstorms are occurring at any given time, resulting in about 16-million thunderstorms each year. Most thunderstorms last about 30 minutes and are typically about 15 miles (24 km) in­ diameter. The two biggest threats associated with most thunderstorms are lightning and flash floods. (http://science.howstuffworks.com)


July is when we see the most thunderstorms occur. July is a hot and humid month that is most prevalent with moist and rising warm air.



The three thrilling thunderstorms.
By: Ariel Scharff

Did you know there are three different types of Thunderstorms? OFA can help you remember their names.

O- Orographic
F- Frontal
A- Air mass

Orographic thunderstorms are caused by air that is forced up by a hillside or mountain.
Frontal thunderstorms occur around the boundaries of weather fronts, like a cold front.
Air mass thunderstorms are the result of localized convection in an unstable air mass.

If you would like to know more about the three main types of thunderstorms, visit this website - https://eo.ucar.edu/kids/dangerwx/tstorm4.htm



4 comments:

  1. Great summary about thunderstorms. I've included a short cartoon video that may be used for the lower elementary grades about thunderstorms.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to9deI79Z34

    ReplyDelete
  2. According to the nyc.gov website, Every thunderstorm produces lightning. Use the 30/30 rule to determine how close or far lightning is from you. "If you see lightning, count the seconds before you hear thunder. If it's less than 30 seconds, take cover and wait 30 minutes before venturing out"

    ReplyDelete
  3. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service, approximately 1,800 thunderstorms are occurring at any given time, resulting in about 16-million thunderstorms each year. Most thunderstorms last about 30 minutes and are typically about 15 miles (24 km) in­ diameter. The two biggest threats associated with most thunderstorms are lightning and flash floods. (http://science.howstuffworks.com)

    July is when we see the most thunderstorms occur. July is a hot and humid month that is most prevalent with moist and rising warm air.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The three thrilling thunderstorms.

    Did you know there are three different types of Thunderstorms? OFA can help you remember their names.

    O- Orographic
    F- Frontal
    A- Air mass

    Orographic thunderstorms are caused by air that is forced up by a hillside or mountain.
    Frontal thunderstorms occur around the boundaries of weather fronts, like a cold front.
    Air mass thunderstorms are the result of localized convection in an unstable air mass.

    If you would like to know more about the three main types of thunderstorms, visit this website - https://eo.ucar.edu/kids/dangerwx/tstorm4.htm

    ReplyDelete