Thunderstorms typically occur in what type of weather?

Thunderstorms typically occur in warm and unstable weather conditions. This is due to the mechanisms that drive thunderstorm development, which is closely related to atmospheric instability.

In warm, unstable conditions, the lower layers of the atmosphere are warmed by the ground, causing warm, moist air to rise. As this air ascends, it cools and can lead to the formation of cumulus clouds. If the air is unstable enough, this process can continue, resulting in strong vertical development and the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, which are characteristic of thunderstorms. These conditions promote the lifting of air, which can generate the strong updrafts necessary for thunderstorm formation.

In contrast, cold and stable conditions would inhibit vertical air movement and thus would not favor the development of thunderstorms. Similarly, warm and stable conditions or cool and unstable conditions do not have the same supportive dynamics that warm and unstable air does, which facilitates the necessary processes for thunderstorms.