What characterizes a thunderstorm?

A thunderstorm is characterized by a combination of various weather phenomena, primarily including local storm activity that produces lightning, thunder, wind, rain, and potentially hail. The development of thunderstorms is closely associated with rising warm, moist air, which can lead to the condensation of water vapor and the formation of cumulonimbus clouds. These clouds are typically tall and can produce severe weather conditions.

Lightning and thunder occur during thunderstorms due to the rapid expansion and contraction of air caused by the intense heat generated within the storm. Additionally, thunderstorms can vary significantly in their intensity, producing strong winds and heavy rainfall in localized areas, which can lead to flash flooding. Hail is also a possibility in stronger storms, as it forms when updrafts carry moisture into colder areas of the atmosphere where it freezes.

The other mentioned choices lack the elements that define a thunderstorm. Heavy snow and freezing temperatures are indicative of winter weather systems and not thunderstorms. High winds and clear skies suggest stable atmospheric conditions, which do not typically accompany a thunderstorm’s dynamic and unstable environment. Continuous rain without interruptions might indicate a different type of weather system, such as a warm front or tropical rain, rather than the convective activity associated with thunderstorms.