Spring and summer afternoons represent a period of time in central and northern New Hampshire where thunderstorms are of high probability. The average occurrence in the area for such an event is of weak to moderate scale. Heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, small hail, and moderate wind gusts produce severe characteristics on occasion. Most thunderstorms that do develop, fail to do so in such intensity. However, it does not take a severe thunderstorm to force an everlasting affect.
A thunderstorm forms when moist, unstable air is present near the surface of the atmosphere and then lifts. The heating of the ground can cause this lifting, which is why thunderstorms usually occur during afternoon hours. The thunderstorms are carried by winds because of their limited horizontal extent. The location of North Conway is much more vulnerable to thunderstorms then other areas of New England because of the mountainous location. The reasoning is because mountains create extreme convergence, which is one aspect to what thunderstorms feed upon. Therefore, if sufficient moisture is present and the air is unstable, thunderstorms are then produced.
The key ingredient that defines any thunderstorm is lightening. Since lightning creates thunder, a storm with lightning is called a thunderstorm. Lightning is one of nature's leading causes of death. Killing more people then tornadoes and hurricanes, an annual average of twenty percent of those struck by lightning die in the United States. The other seventy percent of those struck face long-term disabilities such as memory loss, fatigue, blindness, joint stiffness, and much more.
It takes one lightning strike to kill or injure someone. The safest route for not getting struck by lightning is by staying out of its way. In other words, if there is a thunderstorm and you are outside, then chances are more significant that you could get hit by the lightning. However, if you are inside, chances are much slimmer that the bolt could hit you. This does not mean that you are completely safe inside. Standing near a window or talking on a hard-wire telephone is almost as dangerous as being outside. This being the case, it is important to do the opposite during a thunderstorm.
If you spot dark clouds or lightning and if you hear claps of thunder or feel an increasing wind, then it is evident that a thunderstorm is approaching. Remember to stay inside and wait the storm out. It is important to use common sense when thunderstorms appear by avoiding the unfortunate consequence. Not only is using this common sense worth living a long and healthy life, but the reward is also added play time on the tee or at the ball field.