Please describe in detail about the stability criteria in upper air when lightning or thunderstrom occurs?

Question

Please describe in detail about the stability criteria in upper air when lightning or thunderstrom occurs?

Answer 1

First off, there are many ways to calculate the stability. The K-Index is the most common stability index used. It is given by:

T(850 mb) + Td(850 mb) + Td(700 mb) - T(700 mb) - T(500 mb), where T is temperature, and Td is dew point temperature. The output number is called the "critical value."

If the calculated critical number is greater than 35, then thunderstorms are very possible. In other words, the greater the critical value, the greater the chance is for thunderstorm development.

Overall, thunderstorms need three things in order to develop: a rising mechanism (such as frontal or convective), plenty of moisture, and above all else - instability.