Thunderstorms- Joey

Dear Dad,

Hey guess what? We have a huge thunderstorm moving up the East coast and it is heading right towards us. I know You have been in Iraq for a while and you probably forget what a thunderstorm is. But don't worry; I'll refresh your memory. A thunderstorm is called a thunderstorm because of the lightning that occurs during the storm and the sound the bolts of lightning make. But I bet you are wondering how they are formed? Well here you go.

Well as you know, thunderstorms go through three stages when forming. They are called the cumulus, mature, and dissipating stages. The cumulus stage is when the clouds are first forming. This happens when warm humid air rises into the air, forming clouds called cumulonimbus clouds. And this all happens when the sun warms up the air more in one specific spot. Then we get into the mature stage, which is when the clouds really start to grow. Then the lightning and rain come. But don't worry, these storms usually only last about thirty minutes. Then finally, the dissipating stage comes. This is when the rain is over and the clouds start to evaporate. But I bet you want to learn something new about thunderstorms right? Then listen to this.

Well, did you know that the wind coming off a thunderstorm can be up to one hundred miles an hour? And that The clouds that the storms is formed from are shaped like anvils? Yeah, it's all true. But I'm sure you already know that the air pressure is very unstable during a storm (you said that you can "feel" it in your arm ever since you broke it). This is because of the warm humid air rising and the wet cool air falling (rain). And, as you know, it rains during a thunderstorm and the warm air is rising which makes the beginning and climax of the storm very humid. But afterwards, it all clears up because of the cool air lowering. I bet you knew all of that, but I bet you never discovered what happens in the sky.Well during the thunderstorm, there is a strong upward and downward current (the air rising and falling). Then while in the sky, the cold air and warm air meet. Then I guess you know what happens next. Rain. And Lightning. I still cannot believe that electrical charges cause lightning.

Well I'm sorry Dad but I have to go. I really miss you and I'm sure you really miss me. Well, at least you can quiz your buddies on thunderstorms and laugh when they get stumped. And you can click here if you want to learn more about thunderstorms if you want to. I'll tell you more about the storm when it hits. It really sounds violent, but don't worry. I'll take care of Mom. Talk to you later. Bye.

Sincerely,

Joey