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Weather and Climate - When And Where Do Thunderstorms Occur In The United States?

When and where do thunderstorms occur in the United States?

In the United States, thunderstorms usually occur in the late spring and summer, especially from May through August. The formation of thunderstorms requires warm, moist air, such as the tropical air masses that come from the Gulf of Mexico and move across the United States. Storms usually develop at the time of day when the surface air is warmest (2 to 4 p.m.).

Compared to other parts of the United States, thunderstorms are relatively rare in Alaska, New England, North Dakota, Montana, and other northern states where the air is generally cold. These storms are also rare along the Pacific Coast, since the summertime air there is relatively dry.

Florida's Gulf Coast experiences the greatest number of thunderstorms of any U.S. location. Thunderstorms occur there on 130 days per year, on average. Throughout the rest of Florida, plus...

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