When a TV weather forecaster gives a forecast for "widely scattered afternoon thunderstorms," these storms are probably associated with___________ .
A) a cold front generating thunderstorms along it
B) a warm front generating thunderstorms along it
C) an unstable air mass, probably maritime tropical air with thunderstorms driven by thermals in an unstable air mass
D) the core of a midlatitude cyclone

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

"Widely scattered afternoon thunderstorms" imply that the thunderstorms are not organized and are occurring in a random pattern. This is often associated with an unstable air mass, typically maritime tropical air in the summer months, where the sun heats the ground, causing the air to rise and form thunderstorms. This is known as convective thunderstorm activity. Cold fronts and warm fronts generate more organized thunderstorms, which may have a greater coverage area and may last for a longer duration. Midlatitude cyclones are also associated with more organized and long-lasting thunderstorms.

When a TV Weather Forecaster Gives a Forecast for "Widely