Story: Weather

How a thunderstorm forms

This diagram sequence shows the stages in the development of a thunderstorm:

Stage 1: Warm moist air is forced upwards, forming a cumulus cloud.

Stage 2: The warm air meets very cold air in the middle levels of the atmosphere. The two air masses collide, creating thunder and lightning.

Stage 3: Eventually the warm moist air condenses as rain and the storm dies out.

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How to cite this page:

Erick Brenstrum, 'Weather - Thunderstorms', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/interactive/7767/how-a-thunderstorm-forms (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Erick Brenstrum, published 12 Jun 2006