What the Storm Prediction Center's Thunderstorm Outlook Means | The Weather Channel (2024)

FAQs

What is the meaning of thunderstorm in weather forecast? ›

Thunderstorm - A rain-bearing cloud that also produces lightning. All thunderstorms are dangerous.

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) at Norman, Oklahoma is a special part of the National Weather Service (NWS) charged with monitoring and forecasting severe weather over the 48 continental United States. It is presently a division of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP).

Satellites take pictures of Earth at regular intervals from space, telling us where clouds are located. Meteorologists watch these pictures over time to watch for rapidly growing clouds, a clue to a possible thunderstorm.

If a WATCH is in effect for your area, it means that conditions are favorable for the development of severe storms. You should stay alert to changing weather conditions and be prepared to take shelter if needed. If a WARNING is issued for your area, take action!

thunderstorm, a violent short-lived weather disturbance that is almost always associated with lightning, thunder, dense clouds, heavy rain or hail, and strong gusty winds.

thunderstorm. / thŭn′dər-stôrm′ / A storm of heavy rain accompanied by lightning, thunder, wind, and sometimes hail. Thunderstorms occur when moist air near the ground becomes heated, especially in the summer, and rises, forming cumulonimbus clouds that produce precipitation.

Weather forecasting is the prediction of what the atmosphere will be like in a particular place by using technology and scientific knowledge to make weather observations. In other words, it's a way of predicting things like cloud cover, rain, snow, wind speed, and temperature before they happen.

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) is part of the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). Our mission is to provide timely and accurate forecasts and watches for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes over the contiguous United States.

Air spirals in toward the center in a counter-clockwise pattern in the northern hemisphere (clockwise in the southern hemisphere) and out the top in the opposite direction. In the very center of the storm, air sinks, forming an "eye" that is mostly cloud-free. Cross section of a typical hurricane.

This involves using tools such as satellites, radar, and surface maps. Meteorologists look at patterns in the atmosphere, beginning with general patterns, then narrowing it down to the more specific details. We've all heard of satellites and radar, but you might not be familiar with surface maps.

How to tell if a thunderstorm is coming? ›

Keep an eye on the sky. Pay attention to weather clues around you that may warn of imminent danger. Look for darkening skies, flashes of lightning, or increasing wind, which may be signs of an approaching thunderstorm.

Forecasting individual thunderstorm formation is a unique challenge in the meteorological world. Thunderstorms often form seemingly randomly, developing in very hard to predict places, morphing into different forms, and merging or dividing.

It is not safe to shower during a thunderstorm. If lightning strikes a building, it may travel through water pipes and increase the risk of electrocution. To lower this risk, people should avoid all water-based activities during a thunderstorm, including bathing and washing the dishes.

When conditions become favorable for organized severe thunderstorms or tornadoes to develop, the SPC issues a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch. A tornado can occur in either type of watch, but Tornado Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for either multiple tornadoes or a single intense tornado.

An approaching cloud of debris especially at ground level, even if a funnel is not visible; A loud roar - similar to a freight train - or a strange quiet occurring within or shortly after a thunderstorm. A change in the color of the sky. Debris dropping from the sky.

If a forecaster mentions scattered thunderstorms, this implies that 30, 40, or 50 percent of the area for which the forecast is valid is expected to experience measurable precipitation (0.01 inch or more) from thunderstorms during the valid time.

A thunderstorm is a localized storm accompanied by lightning and thunder. It may also have gusty winds and often brings heavy rain. Some thunderstorms can also bring tornadoes and/or hail. During winter, localized heavy snow showers may also have thunder and lightning.

Likely thunderstorms: The National Weather Service uses the term “likely” to describe 60% or greater probability of measurable precipitation (0.01 inch) for a given location.

What is a thunderstorm? A thunderstorm is a rain shower during which you hear thunder. Since thunder comes from lightning, all thunderstorms have lightning.