Science Common Sense
913 - How do thunderstorms form, and what makes them dangerous?
Imagine a big engine in the sky making lots of noise and flashes of light. That's a thunderstorm. Here's how it forms:
- Warm air rises: On a sunny day, the ground gets hot, warming the air closest to the ground.
- Air cools down: As the warm air rises, it cools down, creating big, puffy clouds called cumulus clouds.
- Moisture condenses: Water droplets in the air condense into bigger and bigger droplets, creating towering cumulonimbus clouds.
- Electricity builds up: Water and ice rub against each other inside the cloud, creating electricity. This electricity is so strong that it breaks through the cloud and creates...
- Lightning: A bright flash of light in the sky, also known as lightning. This is so hot that it makes a loud noise called...
- Thunder: Thunder is the sound that lightning makes as it travels through the air.
Thunderstorms can be dangerous because of: 1. Lightning strikes: Can cause fires, damage buildings, and hurt people. 2. Strong winds: Can knock down trees, power lines, and cause flooding. 3. Heavy rain: Can cause flash floods, landslides, and make it hard to see. 4. Hail: Can damage cars, buildings, and hurt people.
Remember, if you hear thunder, go inside and stay safe.