thunderstorm
A storm when you see lightning and hear thunder.
A storm with thunder and lightning, often with heavy rain, gusty wind, and sometimes hail.
A very strong, sudden reaction, like anger or criticism.
A sudden, intense outburst of anger, criticism, conflict, or public reaction, compared to a storm.
- Base: thunderstorm
- Plural: thunderstorms
chance of thunderstorms
1forecast: storms are possible
The weather report says thunderstorms might happen.
- Tomorrow will be hot with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening.
- The app shows a 40% chance of thunderstorms after 6 p.m.
- We postponed the game because there was a chance of thunderstorms.
- There is a chance of thunderstorms today.
pop-up thunderstorm
1sudden, localized thunderstorm
A thunderstorm that starts suddenly in one place.
- We got caught in a pop-up thunderstorm on the drive home.
- The desert is known for pop-up thunderstorms in late summer.
- Keep an eye on the sky—pop-up thunderstorms can form fast.
- A pop-up thunderstorm started quickly.
severe thunderstorm
1dangerous, intense thunderstorm
A very strong and dangerous thunderstorm.
- A severe thunderstorm is expected to move through the area tonight.
- The picnic was canceled because of a severe thunderstorm.
- Severe thunderstorms can bring damaging winds and hail.
- A severe thunderstorm is coming.
thunderstorm season
1time of year with storms
The part of the year when thunderstorms are common.
- Thunderstorm season usually starts in late spring here.
- During thunderstorm season, the air can change quickly.
- We planned our hike for the morning because it’s thunderstorm season.
- It is thunderstorm season now.
thunderstorm warning
1official alert: storm is imminent
An official message saying a thunderstorm is coming soon or happening now.
- The weather service issued a thunderstorm warning for the county.
- We went inside when the thunderstorm warning popped up on our phones.
- The thunderstorm warning lasted until 9 p.m.
- There is a thunderstorm warning for our city.
thunderstorm watch
1conditions favorable for storms
An official message saying thunderstorms may happen.
- The region is under a thunderstorm watch this afternoon.
- They issued a thunderstorm watch, so we brought the outdoor furniture inside.
- A thunderstorm watch doesn’t guarantee storms, but it means you should stay alert.
- We are under a thunderstorm watch.