A storm of heavy rain accompanied by lightning, thunder, wind, and sometimes hail. Thunderstorms occur when moist air near the ground becomes heated, especially in the summer, and rises, forming cumulonimbus clouds that produce precipitation. Electrical charges accumulate at the bases of the clouds until lightning is discharged. Air in the path of the lightning expands as a result of being heated, causing thunder. Thunderstorms can also be caused by temperature changes triggered by volcanic eruptions and forest fires, and they occur with much greater frequency at the equatorial regions than in polar regions.
The worst of the weather is now out of the way, though heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely in Hawaii for the rest of the weekend and into the start of next week.
This developing heatwave follows recent blizzards and frigid conditions in the Midwest and Great Lakes, along with heavy thunderstorms and tornado threats towards the East Coast.
