low pressure persists hoorah

Looks as though we're in for some more rain and, or maybe, thunder, as well. I love the low pressure system that encourages precipitation, bringing the much needed rain. It feels so much 'smoother' and less 'constricting' as the strong updraughts persist, allowing the cumulus clouds to grow vertically to great heights at times. This is known as the 'cumulus' or 'developing' stage. Rain is formed in the lower parts of the cloud and snow in the middle layers, with the ice particles at the higher levels. The strong updraughts keep the water, snow and ice droplets in suspension. This cloud continues to grow to 8 - 12 km where the top will grow into the shape of an anvil head. This lasts as long as the updraughts persist and the air pressure in the immediate surrounds drops.

In the mature stage, up and down draughts are prevalent, downdraughts being caused by droplets falling within the cloud. This, in turn, creates a drag of air behind them and also causes strong gusts of cold air beneath the storm. Intense rain, thunder, lightning are experienced during this stage, and also hail at times. The cloud forms a well- developed anvil head which always points in the direction that the storm is moving.

The dissipating stage is then characterized by dominant downdraughts as the updraughts diminish and the cloud reaches its highest vertical extent. The downdraughts then begin to dominate. The intensity of the rain decreases and light rain falls until the water content of the cloud is exhausted. The cloud then breaks up forming patches at irregular intervals called SCUD. The pressure readings increase.

And then, everyone usually says: 'That was a pretty good storm hey?'
'Ja, but we need the rain hey?'
'I just hate it when the thunder scares the dogs!'
'Ja, but, as they say; "You can't have your cake and eat it!", hey?'

(Oh I just hate that idiom)