How does a severe storm happen?

Answer 1

Thunderstorms essentially begin when warm, humid air near the ground (or the sea) is pushed upwards by surface winds. The air rises rapidly, then cools. Storms are caused by differences in air temperature and pressure as a result of different air masses meeting and passing close by each other. The temperature imbalance within clouds causes the warm and cold air to ruch in, trying to equalise the air pressure imbalance. The continuous rushing of warm and cold air actually creates the thunderstorm, with the up and down rushing of air currents causing thunder, lightning and hail. As a storm cell is joined by surrounding winds, it can generate an even more powerful storm, with rain and hail. The rain and hail drag air downwards in a rush, causing strong gusts of wind that are capable of removing roofs and using loose objects as missiles. Cyclones (also known as hurricanes or typhoons, depending on their geographical location), can develop out of such storms when they begin at sea if a low pressure system is involved.

Answer 2

It is the frequency of thunder and lightning, not the amount of precipitation, amongst other some technical indices available only from radiosonde data. Sometimes there are distinctive patterns of movement discernable on weather radar.

Answer 3

A severe storm typically forms when warm, moist air rises rapidly and combines with cool, dry air. This collision causes unstable atmospheric conditions that lead to the development of thunderstorms, strong winds, heavy rain, and sometimes hail or tornadoes. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and wind patterns all play a role in the formation and intensification of severe storms.