Thunderstorms are rainstorms that bring lightning and thunder. During these storms, you can hear loud booms of thunder. You can also see flashes of lightning.

Thunderstorms happen all over the world. Every minute, there is a thunderstorm happening somewhere in the world.

Some places get more storms than others. In the United States, Florida is the state with the most thunderstorms. The middle of the country also gets many storms.

Before a thunderstorm, the clouds look dark and heavy. The clouds block the sunlight. It gets windy.

During a thunderstorm, rain falls and lightning strikes. Lightning is full of energy. The energy causes the air around the lightning to explode. These explosions make the “boom!” sound of thunder.

Thunderstorms happen when the air is warm and wet.

Many thunderstorms happen in spring or summer. They start in the afternoon.

Most thunderstorms last for less than an hour.

Some thunderstorms bring strong winds, tornadoes, or hail. Hail is when ice falls from the sky!