Why does PA experience more thunderstorms during Summer?

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

SSERVPRO: The Storm Recovery Experts

Thunderstorms are a common occurrence in Pennsylvania, especially during the Summer months. They can produce flash flooding, wind gusts, hail, lightning, and even tornadoes. 

Why do we experience more thunderstorms in Summer?

The two basic elements that cause a thunderstorm to develop are moisture and rapidly rising warm air. Pennsylvania has a humid continental climate. In conjunction with warm temperat­ures, high humidity creates massive amounts of warm, moist air rising into the atmosphere, where it can easily form a thunderstorm.

The biggest threats associated with most thunderstorms are lightning and flash floods. Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Pennsylvania. No no matter where you live, you should be prepared for a flood emergency, but it’s especially important if you live near water, in a low-lying area, or downstream from a dam. Check your flood risk on FEMA’s flood risk map here.