Student Weather
Thunderstorm Ingredients for Students: Moisture, Lift, Instability, and Wind Shear
A student-friendly guide to thunderstorm ingredients, including moisture, lift, instability, wind shear, updrafts, downdrafts, and safety.
Quick answer: Thunderstorms need moisture, rising air, instability, and sometimes wind shear to grow and organize.
Moisture and lift
Moisture supplies cloud water, while lift pushes air upward.
Fronts, mountains, sea breezes, and heating can all provide lift.
Instability
Instability means air can keep rising once it starts.
Stronger rising air can build taller storms.
Wind shear
Wind changing with height can organize storms and make some storms stronger.
Safety decisions should always follow warnings.