Jason Harris
EF5
This may be a very subjective question and only one that relates to a relatively
weak single-cell or multi-cell cluster rather than a fast-moving squall line or supercell, and in particular it's how I grew up with thunderstorms in CA. I recall
how in February, March, or April the clouds would gradually build up as the day warmed, the lower levels would slowly get criss-crossed with relatively unsubstantial stratus, darkening incrementally, greying and sometimes partly transparent but eventually quite threatening (nimbostratus?), and you'd stop and wonder why the heck it wasn't just pouring since it sure was dark enough.
Then, a quick flash, a clap of thunder and the rain began. The storm itself seemed to be virtually stationary, so it wasn't a matter of the rain coming behind the lightning because of the storm's approach; it literally felt like some sort of tension was released by the lightning and thunder, as though it were a necessary step before the rain would be released. Is there any particular process behind this impression of a storm? It doesn't seem to work that way out here in FL or in MI where the storms seemed more often moving and announcing their presence by lightning well before the rain arrived, or there would be some showering without any preamble, perhaps the higher dewpoints vs. the lower ones in CA? Any thoughts? Is there anything at all to the idea that the electricity released from the lightning discharge somehow contributes to a downdraft for rain or something along those lines? Or is this all subjectivity based on the maturing storm once it reaches the height to have lightning is ready to have downdraft?
weak single-cell or multi-cell cluster rather than a fast-moving squall line or supercell, and in particular it's how I grew up with thunderstorms in CA. I recall
how in February, March, or April the clouds would gradually build up as the day warmed, the lower levels would slowly get criss-crossed with relatively unsubstantial stratus, darkening incrementally, greying and sometimes partly transparent but eventually quite threatening (nimbostratus?), and you'd stop and wonder why the heck it wasn't just pouring since it sure was dark enough.
Then, a quick flash, a clap of thunder and the rain began. The storm itself seemed to be virtually stationary, so it wasn't a matter of the rain coming behind the lightning because of the storm's approach; it literally felt like some sort of tension was released by the lightning and thunder, as though it were a necessary step before the rain would be released. Is there any particular process behind this impression of a storm? It doesn't seem to work that way out here in FL or in MI where the storms seemed more often moving and announcing their presence by lightning well before the rain arrived, or there would be some showering without any preamble, perhaps the higher dewpoints vs. the lower ones in CA? Any thoughts? Is there anything at all to the idea that the electricity released from the lightning discharge somehow contributes to a downdraft for rain or something along those lines? Or is this all subjectivity based on the maturing storm once it reaches the height to have lightning is ready to have downdraft?
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