Why there is a chance of thunderstorms and how they form

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – After a stretch of thunderstorms last week, the potential for storms comes around again Wednesday evening.

Thunderstorms need a couple of factors to form. First, warm temperatures make warm moist air rise into the atmosphere. As that warm moist air forms clouds, unstable upper air levels allow storm clouds to grow in intensity.

It’s that instability that allows lightning to appear. If you see lightning, go inside into the most center part of the building, don’t use electronics plugged into the wall, and don’t take a bath or shower.

“The risk of lightning traveling through plumbing might be less with plastic pipes than with metal pipes,” the CDC says. “However, it is best to avoid any contact with plumbing and running water during a lightning storm to reduce your risk of being struck.”

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Jack Wu joined the 22News Storm Team in July 2023. Follow Jack on X @the_jackwu and view his bio to see more of his work.

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