Thunderstorms Predicted for Tomorrow

I'm not sure when the definition of thunderstorms and thundershowers changed but it has in my lifetime. Of course I recognize that growing up in the south I may have a different perspective, since storms there can be much more intense than anything I have experienced in the Midwest.

I first moved to the Midwest in 1985, so I have been here a few years. I can remember growing up in Alabama the thunder and lightening being so intense it rattled the windows in the house. Laying in bed trying to go to sleep, I can remember thinking "I am not going to live through this night". Then it was called a storm, the term thunderstorm was reserved for the really intense storms, the once that shook the house and cement slab it was built on.

During hot, humid days the conditions build for lightening. We've had about four days in a row so a little lightening would be expected. In the south there may be periods of two to three weeks with hot, humid weather with little rain other than a 15 minute downpour around 5:00 pm. After those periods, that's when you really see the lightening and you can't help but hear the thunder.

I don't expect many to understand this post if you have never lived or visited the south for an extended period, but if you happen to be down during one of these storms you will appreciate the gentle rains in the Midwest. Driving on the state roads in northern Alabama occasionally you may see a sign giving directions to a storm shelter. If you're ever driving through with questionable weather, listen to local radio and if told to find a shelter, take heed.

Maybe it's appropriate the definition of thunderstorms has been changed. We've apparently grown a generation, if not two, of snowflakes that need safe spaces on college campuses and all of our words have to be carefully chosen so as to not offend anyone. Maybe a warning about a little rain may be needed to make them feel safe.