What Time of Year Do Storms Mostly Occur?

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

Every year there is an average of 100,000 thunderstorms, 10% of which are categorized as severe storms. Though this is a year-round statistic, most storms take place within the spring and summer months, between the hours of noon and midnight. The reason why this time of year is beneficial for the formation of thunderstorms is due to the warming of the Earth. Starting in the spring and especially in the summer, the sun is out for longer than it is during the fall or winter. This gives sunlight time to warm the surface of the Earth, therefore heating the air surrounding the areas where this is happening. While most of us enjoy this process because it makes the temperature perfect for going outside, it creates the ideal conditions for a thunderstorm to form. Though air near the surface of the Earth becomes hotter during these months, the air higher in the sky remains below freezing throughout the entire year. Therefore, when something triggers the warmer air upwards, colliding with the freezing air, the contact of these differing temperature particles creates electric charges. In the fall and winter, the air near the surface is cooler, due to less sunlight and distance from the sun, so should the surface air collide with the distant air, there is no opposing force to cause electric charges. It makes sense why we relate thunderstorms to the summer, then. 

What does this mean for homeowners?

In the summertime is when storm damage is most likely to occur. While we have differing concerns for each season, warm weather brings storm damage opportunities. Heavy rainfall can create floods which pose a threat of water damage. Lightning strikes can cause fire damage to our homes. There’s a lot to think about during the enjoyable warm months of the year.

However storms affect your home, SERVPRO of Downtown Atlanta covers any destruction that may come from a storm. Summer is the time of year we allow ourselves to kick back, relax, and enjoy the sunlight. Don’t let storm damage stop you from experiencing summer relaxation. Call us, your local SERVPRO, for any storm damage needs.