THUNDERSTORMS

• Thunderstorm


  Weather condition that has thunder and lightning, with heavy rainfall and can possibly create a tornado

  
• Thunderstorm


  • Violent, transient type of weather disturbance associated with the day but happen mostly in the afternoon or evening during summer

  
• Three Requirements for the Formation of a thunderstorm

  • Moisture (water vapor) in the lower atmosphere
  • An unstable, rapidly rising mass of warm air
  • A strong upward current of air to force moisture to higher, colder levels of the atmosphere

  
• Thunderstorm Life Cycle


  1. Developing cumulus stage

  2. The Mature Stage

  3. The Final or dissipating Stage

  
• Developing cumulus stage


  Begin with the upward growth of a cumulus cloud due to the continuous updraft and supply of moisture
• The Mature Stage


  Indicate by the initiation of strong downward current of air (downdraft) and by precipitation, the thunderstorm keeps growing until it reaches the tropopause

  
• The Final or dissipating Stage

  When the updrafts are prevented by the cold air of the downdrafts in the lower portions of the clouds
• Lightning


  Abrupt natural, visible high voltage electrical discharge which takes place when positive and negative charges join within the clouds, between clouds or a cloud on the ground

  
• Thunder


  Acoustic effect of sudden expansion of air caused by the heat released during lightning strike

  
• Light travels at a rate of 3x10^8 m/s while sound travels only at a rate of 344m/s
• Cloud to ground lightning

  The most dangerous type of lightning

  
• Effects of Lightning Strike to Human

  • Direct harm through contact with lightning channel or conductor
  • Blunt force trauma or hearing damage
  • Injuries or casualties through secondary effects like explosions and fire

  
• Lightning Safety Rules


  • Stay indoors during thunderstorm
  • Do not leave classroom or school building until thunderstorm has fully ended
  • Wait at least 30 minutes after last thunder roar before going outdoors
• Danger Indoors


  • Avoid staying near windows or glass doors
  • Avoid contact with appliances, light switches, electric sockets, faucets, pipes, shower heads, steel bannisters, mobile phones or telephones
• Danger Outdoors


  • Avoid open vehicles and small unenclosed structures
  • Do not touch electrical wires or plumbing
  • Avoid using umbrella as it can attract lightning
  • Provide assistance if someone is struck by lightning
• It is not true that one can be electrified by touching a person hit by lightning
• Effects of lightning on infrastructure and technology

  • Produces acid rain which can cause deterioration of buildings
  • Overhead power and telephone cables, satellite dishes, and antennas may be hit by lightning strikes

  
• Effects of Lightning Strikes to the Environment