In pilot training, we learn about the weather. The phenomenon known as “thunderstorms” is of special importance. Thunderstorms form very quickly and can be devastating to aircraft, regardless of size.
There are three stages to a thunderstorm: the cumulus stage, the mature stage, and the dissipating stage. In the cumulus stage, air rises up to form the billowy white clouds. In the mature stage, up and downdrafts in and beneath the clouds carry moisture aloft and then downward as rain or hail. In the dissipating stage, predominantly downdrafts cause the rain to taper off and the clouds to spread out on the tops, forming what meteorologists call an anvil cloud.
I took this image of an anvil cloud today, while we were walking the dogs along the road in front of the house. Click on the image to enlarge.
