WEATHER WATCH COLUMN:  MAY 2003 ISSUE

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Weather Watch: Mountain Thunderstorms

Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains during summer, but
can form during the rest of the year, too.  During the afternoon,
heated air will flow up the mountain sides, forming cumulus clouds
over and downwind of the mountain peaks.  Be aware of cumulus clouds
growing rapidly, especially upward.  These clouds can produce strong
winds, hail, lightning, and flash floods.

<-David Schultz, NOAA/National Severe Storms Laboratory>