Quote:
Originally Posted by stoki  Here is another question I can't find the answer to.
What type of WX to expect when updrafts go into the stratosphere during a thunderstorm.
If the updrafts are punching through into the stratospehre, which is rare, it must be a strong storm with some serious updrafts. Other then the possibility of large hail, heavier rain, higher winds, or stronger downdrafts during the dissipating stage, what else can there be? I looked online, but can't find much on the topic.. so this is me just taking a shot.
Or is the answer simply severe thunderstorm? 
damn, I thought I could edit the thread title.. o well. |
When you see anvil clouds above 40,000 feet it is likely that they have bumped up against the bottom of the stratosphere. These monster storms are much more likely to reach out and thump you if you get near them as their energy near the top of the storm is being pushed horizontally by the floor of the stratosphere. I was once hit by such a storm heading to South America and just about diverted it was so bad. A typical 35,000 foot thunderstorm will roll it's energy over the top or dissipate as the lifting action peters out. Their outward reach is significantly less than these 45,000 foot storms you talk about.