What is the Difference Between Scattered Thunderstorms and Isolated Thunderstorms?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between scattered thunderstorms and isolated thunderstorms lies in their coverage and duration. Here are the key differences:
- Coverage: Scattered thunderstorms cover a larger area, affecting 30-50% of the forecasted area, while isolated thunderstorms cover a smaller area, affecting only about 10-20% of the area.
- Duration: Scattered thunderstorms tend to last longer and are more likely to develop hail, tornadoes, and strong winds, making them more likely to cause damage than isolated storms. Isolated thunderstorms, on the other hand, usually do not last very long and are less likely to cause extreme weather.
- Rain: During scattered thunderstorms, rain often starts and stops, with frequent lightning and the possibility of hail and tornadoes. In isolated thunderstorms, rain is typically heavy but brief, and lightning is less frequent. Hail and tornadoes are not very likely to occur due to the storm's brief duration.
In summary, scattered thunderstorms are more widespread and have a higher likelihood of causing damage, while isolated thunderstorms are smaller in coverage and tend to last for shorter periods.
Comparative Table: Scattered Thunderstorms vs Isolated Thunderstorms
The main difference between scattered thunderstorms and isolated thunderstorms lies in their coverage area and the likelihood of encountering them. Here is a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Scattered Thunderstorms | Isolated Thunderstorms |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Affect 30-50% of the forecasted area, covering a larger area | Affect 10-20% of the forecasted area, covering a smaller area |
| Frequency | More likely to occur and be encountered | Less likely to occur and be encountered |
| Rainfall | Rain often starts then stops, with frequent lightning, and potential for hail and tornadoes | Rain is usually heavy but brief, with infrequent lightning and less likelihood of hail and tornadoes |
| Severity | Terms only refer to the coverage area, not the severity of the storm | Terms only refer to the coverage area, not the severity of the storm |
In summary, scattered thunderstorms cover a larger area and are more likely to be encountered, while isolated thunderstorms cover a smaller area and are less likely to be encountered. Neither term indicates the severity of the storm, only the coverage area.
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