Nearly 1800 thunderstorms are occurring at any moment around the world. In our little world we know as the Washington area, thunderstorms can form at any time of the year, but develop much more frequently during the spring and summer months. The majority of thunderstorms form during the late afternoon and evening hours and last for about 30 minutes.
Thunderstorms provide the vast majority of our rain during the late spring and summer months.
They can deliver a soaking rain for lawns and gardens, and offer a brief reprieve from the simmering afternoon heat in the form of cool air that cascades downward from thousands of feet high in the atmosphere. However, thunderstorms can also pack an array of dangerous weather elements including heavy rain, strong winds, large hail, lightning, and sometimes tornadoes. A severe thunderstorm watch is issued when atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms, while a severe thunderstorm warning means that severe weather is occurring or is imminent. The Washington area is most prone to downbursts or straight-line winds from severe thunderstorms. A downburst is a small area of rapidly descending air beneath the storm.