2019 LOOR Racing Guide

Lake Ontario Offshore Racing Guide Page 53
you keep an eye on the upper portions of the clouds, you’ll notice they look
like they’re boiling. This signifies instability and a greater likelihood of storm
activity. The greater vertical height signifies that development of the storm is
well underway. This step usually lasts for about 20 to 30 minutes before it
transforms into the next phase.
STAGE 2:
MATURE STAGE
The mature stage is the most active
and, potentially, the most dangerous
portion of the cycle. From a distance,
you will see the anvil begin to develop
and spread out. If you are closer to
the storm, you will see the base
darken rapidly and lightning and
thunder will begin then intensify
Graphic by A. Parlak
and increase in frequency.
The first strong wind gust will bring with it the start of heavy rain, reducing
your visibility to almost zero. Lightning and thunder will peak during this
phase, and any strong gusts will be concentrated at the start of this stage.
The winds will begin to abate in the heavy rain. Again, this phase will last for
about 20 to 30 minutes before transforming to the final part of the cycle.
STAGE 3:
DISSIPATING STAGE
The last phase of a typical storm is
dominated by air flowing down
and outward from its core. The
intensity of the rain decreases, you
will see fewer lightning strikes, and
the skies will begin to brighten.
The storm will then collapse which
may be the trigger for new cells to
develop, beginning the whole cycle
Graphic by A. Parlak
again. The new storm will develop
some ten miles away from the dying storm.
The thunderstorm cycle described above is typical of the average storm
that you would experience during the summer along weather fronts. But
the right ingredients, in the form of atmospheric moisture and dynamics,
can turn this average summer storm into a beast.
DEW POINT
One of the best indicators of potential storm severity is the dew point. If the
forecast calls for storms, the dew point will give you a more precise measure
of moisture than relative humidity would indicate. Higher dew point readings
mean that there is more atmospheric fuel for the storm to feed on, and that
means the storm is much more likely to become severe. Look for dew point
readings greater than 18°C, especially in the spring and early summer. Be sure