NOTES ON THUNDERSTORMS, CH 8, CLASS 7

 

Thunderstorms and Cyclones
Although monsoon winds are important for agricultural purposes and in regulating the temperature conditions of a place sometimes excess of rainfalls and strong winds can lead to natural disasters such as thunderstorms and cyclones.
Thunderstorms
An event in the environment in which strong winds blow accompanied by heavy rainfall, thunder and lightning are called thunderstorm.
Thunderstorms occur in hot and humid tropical regions mainly. These regions generally have higher temperatures which cause winds.
These hot winds when move upwards also have water vapour within them which freezes and falls on the earth as rain.
The rainfall and rising air create lightning in the air accompanied by sound and as a result, a thunderstorm occurs.
Figure 1 Formation of Thunderstorms
Precautions that one should take during a thunderstorm
One should not take shelter under an isolated tree during storm and lightning. Instead, one can take shelter under a small tree if near a forest area.
One should not lie on the ground.
One should not use or carry an umbrella which has a metallic rod.
One should stay away from windows and doors at that time.
One should not take shelter in an open garage, metal shed or storage sheds.
It is advisable to take a shelter in a car for a bus.
One should not stay in the water. People should try to move inside a building as soon as possible.
Figure 2 Protect yourself during Thunderstorm