Clouds of the Day - June 29, 2022 - Cb can run but cannot hide

Photo by Craig Johnson, Weather Briefing, L.C.

Through the tangle of wires and lamp posts is a Cb - a thunderstorm. Cb is the weather abbreviation for cumulonimbus - the thunderstorm. This is the only type of cloud that produces thunder, lightning, and hail. Tornadoes are associated with cumulonimbus although funnel clouds and weak tornadoes can be seen below tall cumulus with strong updrafts before lightning is seen and thunder is heard. It is the mighty Cb that brings severe weather and heavy rain.

But not all Cb clouds bring hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. In the entire family of Cb clouds are a variety of personalities. Most storms are beneficial, providing much needed rain and cooling winds. Look for these clouds in the distance, or as in this case, only 20 miles away. When they are overhead the sky looks ominous, the wind picks up, and the the rain begins as the lightning flashes and the thunder roars. Be on alert for rapidly changing rough weather and get indoors away from lightning and the threatening weather.