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Main Index To The Weather Watcher Thunderstom Basics What to watch for Tornadoes and Funnel Clouds Don't Get Fooled What to Report Index Safety Tips How to report quick reference Other Educational Sites |
Severe Weather Watcher HandbookReading the cloudsOn most storm days, small cumulus grow gradually larger, group together, decrease in number, and then exhibit signs of a breakout as taller, larger towers rise here and there. This pacing of cloud growth gives you time to observe cloud evolution. Occasionally, the atmosphere has a stable layer in place, preventing strong convection and sometimes even small cumulus until later in the afternoon. When heating reaches the critical point or when cooling aloft erodes the stable layer, it breaks down rather suddenly, triggering explosive cloud development. In such cases, the day's forecast, patience, and a wary eye are all you can depend on to prepare. Storms which break out in this abrupt fashion are more likely to be severe because the bottled-up heat and moisture are available for an immediate, concentrated release. (Examples of storms that formed this way are seen in photos 31, 36 and 61.) 21-26 E/E Sequence of a developing severe storm.
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Created :
2002-08-26
Modified :
2002-12-19
Reviewed :
2002-12-19
Url of this page : http://www.msc.ec.gc.ca
/education/severe_weather/page14_e.cfm ![]() The Green LaneTM, |