Travel Glossary

What is Thunderstorm?

Local thunderstorms producing turbulence, rain, thunder, hail, and frost and lasting about 2 hours are referred to as thunderstorms created by cumulonimbus or cumulus clouds. Winds can blow from various directions during a thunderstorm, the sun might appear and storms with thunder can be experienced. Planes entering a thunderstorm can get struck by a lightning. In this case, passengers should follow the cabin crew’s instructions.

Is Thunder Cloud Dangerous for Planes?

Cumulus clouds may produce vertical and strong air currents. Thunder clouds are giant dense cumulus clouds and they tower vertically and their top is generally flat. A thunderstorm is one of the weather events that one does not want to encounter. Necessary instructions on thunderstorms provided by the meteorological offices reported to the air control. While assigning routes for planes, thunderstorms are taken into consideration. If there is a high chance of a thunderstorm, there might be delays.

Things to Do in Case of A Thunderstorm

If there is a high risk of a thunderstorm, flights can be delayed for safety reasons. In unexpected thunderstorms, violent turbulence, lightning or shakes can be experienced. In this case, passengers should follow the cabin crew’s instructions.