FAA Ground School Practice Test

Which weather phenomenon is always associated with a thunderstorm?

1. Hail

2. Rain

3. Lightning

4. Wind

The correct answer is: Lightning

Lightning is universally regarded as a phenomenon that is always associated with thunderstorms. Thunderstorms are characterized by the presence of cumulonimbus clouds, which create conditions conducive to electrical activity. When conditions within the storm are right, the buildup of electrical charge leads to the formation of lightning. This occurs due to the friction between water droplets and ice particles within the storm, producing a discharge of electricity that we observe as lightning. While other weather phenomena such as rain, wind, and hail can accompany thunderstorms, they are not guaranteed. For example, some thunderstorms may produce little to no rainfall or hail, and wind can vary in intensity. However, every thunderstorm will produce lightning as a result of the electrical processes inherent in such weather events. Therefore, identifying lightning as consistently associated with thunderstorms provides a crucial understanding of their dynamics in meteorology.