What can enhance thunderstorm development?

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Thunderstorm development can be significantly enhanced by the presence of the jet stream and upper-level divergence. The jet stream, which is a fast-flowing river of air high in the atmosphere, can lead to the creation of conditions that favor the development of storms. When the upper-level winds associated with the jet stream diverge, they promote the rising of air at lower altitudes. This upward motion is critical because as air rises, it cools and can lead to condensation and cloud formation, which are essential processes in thunderstorm development.

Additionally, upper-level divergence allows for a continuous supply of rising air, which can lead to the maintenance and intensification of cumulonimbus clouds, the type of clouds that produce thunderstorms. On the other hand, stable air masses, increased altitude without the right conditions for convection, and ground-level wind disturbances typically do not support the vigorous development of thunderstorms in the same manner as upper-level divergence associated with the jet stream does.

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