What does ‘isolated thunderstorms’ mean and how does it differ from ‘widespread’ or ‘scattered’?
THUNDERSTORMS are often referred to as isolated, widespread or scattered in weather forecasts, and there are some major differences between the descriptions.
The sudden electric discharges, resulting from atmospheric conditions, are often accompanied by heavy rain or hail and, while the UK has been enjoying the good weather in the lead up to summer 2023, thunderstorms are predicted to follow the sunshine.
What does isolated thunderstorms mean in weather reports?
If the weather forecast predicts isolated storms then only one or two storms are expected in an area with the rest of the day to be storm free.
The term "isolated" is used to describe the behaviour of a thunderstorm, rather than its impact or severity.
If a thunderstorm is isolated it just means that less of the forecast area will experience storms, limited to maybe ten to 20 per cent of the area.
This means that the storm may not necessarily impact any outdoor plans you have, such as a picnic or hike, though it is recommended to continue checking the sky incase you do end up in the unlucky small percent of the area affected.
How is it different from scattered or widespread thunderstorms?
A weather forecast of scattered thunderstorms means that there are going to be more storms - and they're going to cover a larger area.
Scattered thunderstorms mean at any given time at least 30 to 50 per cent of the area could be affected.
On "scattered" thunderstorm days, the area will experience storms intermittently or "off and on" throughout a day, and may even experience multiple rounds of thunderstorms.
Widespread thunderstorms, meanwhile, affect more than 60 per cent of an area.
There are several things you can do to stay safe if your area is caught in a thunderstorm.
The Met Office recommends winding up your car windows, staying in your car, and slowing your speed right down if driving during a thunderstorm.
It it also recommended that you don't shelter under a tree, in case of lightning.
Tall trees act as a lightning rod and standing underneath one makes it more likely you will get hit.
What causes a thunderstorm?
Thunderstorms develop when the atmosphere is unstable.
This happens when warm air exists underneath much colder air.
A thunderstorm is produced by what is called a cumulonimbus cloud and these cause gusty winds, heavy rain and sometimes hail.
Thunderstorms are more likely to occur in the spring and summer months.
They are also to be expected during the afternoon and evening hours, rather than in the morning.
As thunderstorms are created by intense heating of the Earth's surface, they are most common in areas where the weather is hot and humid.
At the start of June 2023, Brits enjoyed soaring temperatures and blazing sunshine.
But it wasn't to last as, as the weather turned more humid, The Met Office warned of thunderstorms across the UK.
The temperature was also forecast to drop, providing relief for those living in areas such as the North West and South East of England who experienced conditions exceeding the threshold for a heatwave.
Pollen levels were also reported to be likely to plunge which was welcome news for hay fever sufferers who had found themselves sneezing, sniffling and spluttering in the first few weeks of June.
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