Thunderstorm Fundamentals
Thunderstorms form through convection and can produce lightning, hail, floods, strong winds, and tornadoes. This episode explains how they develop, why some turn severe, the hazards they pose, and how forecasting and warnings help protect communities.
Summary
Thunderstorms are driven by convection—warm, moist air rising to build towering clouds that can produce lightning, hail, damaging winds, flash flooding, and tornadoes. In this episode we break down the ingredients and life cycle of a storm, the difference between a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and Warning, how satellites and Doppler radar reveal storm structure, and the main storm types (single cell, multicell, squall line, supercell). We close with practical preparedness tips and how to receive official alerts fast.