Difference between isolated & scattered thunderstorm?

Question

Difference between isolated & scattered thunderstorm?

Answer 1

Isolated thunderstorms mean that only around 10% of the broadcast area can expect a storm.  

Scattered thunderstorms mean that more like 30-50% of the area will get a storm.

So basically "scattered" thunderstorms means you're more likely to get wet than you are with "isolated" thunderstorms.

Answer 2

An isolated thunderstorm could include a thunderstorm that is separated from the main group of storms by a relatively significant distance or anywhere from one to a few storms that are in somewhat random locations. If a forecast calls for isolated thunderstorms, then the chances of one hitting you is pretty small. Isolated thunderstorms are most common during the summer months since the surface of the Earth is heated far more intensely and thus provides more energy to fuel the storms. Given enough moisture, heat and upper level support, a pop-up isolated thunderstorm could form anywhere in the U.S.

Scattered thunderstorms are more bunched together and are more numerous than isolated thunderstorms. They usually come in clusters or squall lines. The area they cover is greater and the chances of you being hit by one of these increases. They tend to be more intense and longer lasting than isolated storms because what happens sometimes is that the death of one storm may help fuel the birth of another. This occurs when the rain-cooled air is rushed down to the surface by the dying storm, this air spreads out in all directions and acts as a mini- cold front, just another lifting mechanism to generate more storms.