Thunderstorms present a variety of forms and sizes, ranging from those within hurricanes to standalone supercells that can reach immense proportions. These natural phenomena can grow remarkably powerful, with the potential to spawn tornadoes – one of nature’s most perilous events. What’s truly astonishing is their ability to reach staggering heights, surpassing those of airplanes and even towering over Mount Everest.
Beginning at the base, a thunderstorm can form as low as 2,000 feet, approximately double the height of the Freedom Tower in New York City. As the storm progresses, the clouds ascend, typically reaching heights between 40,000 and 60,000 feet. Thunderstorm clouds usually do not exceed the tropopause at 60,000 feet near the equator, which is notably higher than airplanes’ cruising altitudes and twice the height of Mount Everest.
Nevertheless, there have been exceptional cases. In May 2016, a thunderstorm along the Texas/Mexico border reportedly soared to nearly 70,000 feet, with cloud tops penetrating the lower stratosphere, producing large hail as it crossed into Texas. In instances of high instability and lift, especially in tropical regions, thunderstorms can develop overshooting tops, with cloud protrusions extending up to 75,000 feet.
To qualify as a thunderstorm, it must feature a rain-bearing cloud with lightning. A “severe” storm must meet at least one of the following criteria: hail larger than one inch in diameter, gusty winds exceeding 57.5 mph, or the production of a tornado. The numbers are staggering – globally, there are approximately 16 million thunderstorms annually, with roughly 2,000 occurring worldwide at any given time, and 100,000 in the U.S., of which about 10% reach severe levels.
Stay informed with the latest forecasts and be prepared in the event of a thunderstorm. Here are some safety tips to have on hand if you ever find yourself facing a severe thunderstorm. Jennifer Gray, a seasoned weather and climate writer, has been sharing some of the most significant weather and climate stories for over two decades.
