A thunderstorm is a weather phenomenon characterized by electrical activity, heavy precipitation, strong winds, and sometimes other phenomena such as hail or tornadoes. Thunderstorms typically form in unstable atmospheres when warm, moist air rises, cools, and condenses to form thunderclouds.
There are several types of thunderstorms, each characterized by specific formation conditions and weather effects. In mainland France, Météo-France records more than 450,000 lightning strikes on the ground, with an average of 260 golden days.