conditions needed for a thunderstorm
Understanding basic thunderstorm formation and structure can help you make safe decisions. Thunderstorms are formed by a process called convection, defined as the transport of heat energy. Because the atmosphere is heated unevenly, an imbalance can occur which thunderstorms attempt to correct. Three things are needed for convection to be a significant hazard to flight safety: moisture, lift and instability. MoistureâSufficient moisture must be present for clouds to form.