THUNDERSTORM T0041
Date: Friday 3rd May 2002
Time: 11:20 BST (time of initial discharge)
Location: Macclesfield, Cheshire UK
Path: Overhead

Synoptics: Arctic Maritime
Duration: 15 minutes
Type: Open Cell Multicell
Average lightning type: C-C
Average discharge rate: 197s
Footage Quality: VHS / Hi-8
 

The cool (10C surface max) and unstable air flowing from the north was warmed intensely by the strong spring sunshine and set off a few thunderstorms in the northwest region. The bases were really high showing off the dry air (low dewpoint).

I was out and about when this cell gave its initial discharge (overhead C-C) which gave a surprisingly loud thunder. I legged it home and continued the filming which had already started (remotely - thanks mum)! It then gave a few more C-Cs with pretty loud thunders underneath the base which still appeared rather dry (no visible rain curtains). Perhaps this is partly the reason why the thunder was clear and loud (no muffling caused by the rain)?

The storm then continued southwards and by this time precipitation became more apparent under the base as the cell matured.

SATELLITE IMAGES (Credits)
VISIBLE 03.05.2002 12:33
INFRARED 03.05.2002 12:33
COLOUR 03.05.2002 12:33

VISIBLE 03.05.2002 14:14
INFRARED 03.05.2002 14:14
COLOUR 03.05.2002 14:14

CHARTS (Credits)

SFERICS (orange markers) (Credits)