Storms: what they are, how they form, types and their difference from rain

Storms are meteorological phenomena that are characterized by dense clouds, winds, rain and, often, lightning and thunder. They are manifestations of climate that can vary in intensity and duration, from brief episodes to prolonged events that affect large areas of territory.

There are different types of storms, such as thunderstorms, snow, sand or hail, and each one occurs under particular conditions. Despite their differences, they all have in common that they represent a sudden alteration of the normal state of the atmosphere.

Storms form when certain key factors combine in the atmosphere: humidity, warm air and a mechanism that forces that air to rise.

1. Ground warming and air rise: This process usually begins when the sun heats the Earth’s surface, causing warm, moist air near the ground to rise into higher layers of the atmosphere. As that air rises, it cools.
2. Formation of cumulonimbus clouds: When this air cools, the water vapor it contains condenses and forms clouds, generally of the cumulonimbus type, which are large, dense and with a very marked vertical development. This condensation releases energy in the form of heat, which further drives the air to rise and fuels the storm. Here you can learn more about how clouds form.
3. Storm activity and dissipation: When this process is strong enough, ascending and descending air currents, accumulation of electrical charges and precipitation are generated within the cloud. If conditions are right, all of this results in a storm that can include heavy rain, lightning, thunder, hail, and strong winds. After a while, the energy decreases and the cold air is greater, so the storm slows down until it stops completely.

We also recommend watching our video on how a thunderstorm forms.

There are several types of storms, and each one has its own characteristics depending on the conditions in which they form:

thunderstorm

It is the best known form of storm. It is characterized by the presence of lightning, thunder, heavy rain and, sometimes, gusts of wind. Lightning is produced by the accumulation and discharge of electrical energy within clouds or between clouds and the ground.

In this other post you can learn more about Thunderstorms: what they are, how they form, types and consequences.

Tropical storm

It is a large-scale climate system that forms over warm waters and is characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and a spiral circulation. When it reaches a sustained wind speed greater than certain limits, it can evolve into a hurricane, typhoon or cyclone, depending on the region of the planet.

Here you have more information about tropical storms or cyclones: what they are and how they form.

snow storm

Also known as heavy snow or blizzard, this type of storm occurs in cold areas and is characterized by abundant snowfall.

Here we tell you more about what a snowstorm is and how it forms.

hail storm

This type of storm occurs when water droplets in the clouds freeze due to low temperatures in the upper layers of the atmosphere. These frozen drops fall to the earth in the form of hail. Hail can cause damage to crops, cars, roofs and windows.

If you want to learn more about Hail: what it is, how it is formed and types, we recommend this other article.

Sand or dust storm

It forms in arid or desert regions when strong winds stir up large amounts of sand or dust from the ground. These storms move quickly and reduce visibility to almost zero.

Find out more about the Sandstorm: what it is, how it forms and consequences here.

Let’s see what the main risks, consequences and dangers associated with storms are:

• Flooding: The heavy rain that accompanies many storms can overwhelm drainage systems and cause flash flooding. Here you can read more about Floods: what they are, causes and consequences.
• Power outages: Lightning, high winds, and falling trees can damage power lines and cause blackouts, sometimes for hours or even days.
• Material damage: Hail, intense winds or falling heavy objects can break windows, damage roofs, overturn vehicles or destroy infrastructure such as greenhouses or communication towers.
• Health and Life Hazards: Storms can cause injury or death from electrical shock, falling trees or debris, hypothermia in snow storms, or respiratory problems in dust storms.
• Transportation disruptions: Reduced visibility, flooded or frozen roads, and damage to infrastructure such as bridges or tunnels can paralyze land, air, and sea transportation.
• Impact on agriculture and the environment: Depending on the intensity, crops can be destroyed, soils eroded, water sources contaminated and natural habitats altered.

Although they are often used synonymously in everyday language, storm and rain are not the same. Rain is liquid precipitation that falls from clouds when water vapor in the atmosphere condenses and forms droplets heavy enough to fall by gravity. It can be light, moderate or intense, but in general, rain alone does not imply other phenomena beyond water falling from the sky.

The storm, on the other hand, is a much more complex and aggressive phenomenon. In addition to rain (which is usually more intense and accompanied by gusts), a storm can include strong winds, lightning, thunder, hail, and even snow or sand, depending on the type.

In these other posts we talk about torrential rain: causes, consequences and what to do and mud rain: what it is and why it occurs.

• Take shelter in a safe place: Stay inside a closed home, building or vehicle. Avoid staying outdoors, especially in open areas such as fields, beaches or mountains, as this increases the risk of being struck by lightning.
• Stay away from metal and electrical objects: During a thunderstorm, avoid contact with metal objects such as bicycles, tools or fences. It is also advisable not to use electrical devices or devices plugged into the mains, such as computers, televisions or microwaves, since lightning can cause power surges.
• Don’t take shelter under trees: If lightning strikes the tree, it can hit anyone near or under it. In this other post you can read about Why trees attract lightning.
• Close doors and windows: Keeping the inside of your home closed helps prevent strong winds from causing damage, and also reduces the risk of water or airborne objects entering.
• Avoid using running water: During a thunderstorm, it is best not to shower or wash dishes, since metal pipes can conduct electricity if lightning strikes nearby.
• Listen to weather alerts and follow the instructions of the authorities.

What is the difference between a thunderstorm and a normal storm?

A thunderstorm includes lightning, thunder, and electrical activity, while a normal storm may be limited to heavy rain, wind, or hail, without lightning.

Why is there thunder and lightning in a storm?

Because during the storm, electrical charges accumulate in the clouds due to the collision of ice and water particles. This difference in charges causes lightning (electrical discharges), and the intense heat they generate causes the air to expand abruptly, producing sound or thunder.

How long can a storm last?

A storm can last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on its intensity, type, and atmospheric conditions.

Where do most storms occur in the world?

The region with the most storms is the Lake Maracaibo area (Venezuela), followed by tropical areas such as the Congo and Southeast Asia. Here you can learn about the Catatumbo Lightning: what it is, where it is seen and why it occurs.

What is a supercell and how is it related to storms?

A supercell is a very powerful and organized type of storm, with a rotating updraft; It can generate hail, tornadoes and heavy rain. You can learn more about the Supercell or supercell: what it is, how it is formed, types and consequences in this other post.

How are storms predicted?

They are predicted using weather models, satellite images, radars and analysis of pressure, humidity and temperature in the atmosphere.

Why are storms more common in summer?

Because the summer heat generates more evaporation and convection, which favors the formation of storm clouds such as cumulonimbus clouds.

If you want to read more articles similar to Storms: what they are, how they form, types and their difference from rain, we recommend that you enter our Meteorological Phenomena category.