Full Text:
The Midwestern plains of the U.S. are known for their dramatic storms: tornadoes, hail, thunderstorms. But one storm feature has mystified researchers: Why does their frequency seem to peak at night? To better comprehend the dynamics of these storms, research teams have been collecting data before and during nighttime thunderstorms in the arid western Great Plains to learn what triggers these storms, how the atmosphere supports their life cycle, and how they impact lives, property, agriculture and the water budget in the region.
Image credit: Center for Severe Weather Research
