Dictionary definition of “popcorn storm”

popcorn storm

n. a brief, unexpected rain shower or thunderstorm. Also, collectively and more formally, popcorn convection. Subjects: English, Environment

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Citations: 1991 Jon Van Chicago Tribune (July 22) “Lightning-quick network keeps tabs whenever it strikes” p. 1: I’ve seen enough “popcorn” storms to appreciate how difficult forecasting really is. These are storms that pop up, and then half an hour later they’re gone. 1996 Usenet: ncar.weather (May 21) “KWBC Extended FCST Map Discussion”: SCT POPCORN CONVECTION IS EXPECTED OVR THE SERN QUARTER OF THE NATION IN THE INCREASINGLY MOIST AIR MASS SOUTH OF THIS FRONT. ANOTHER ROUND OF HVY TSTRMS IS LIKELY SAT AFTN/EVENING ALG THE COLD FRONT/DRYLINE XTNDG SWD INTO SWRN TX. 2004 Beth Miller @ Minnesota The life of an ole (July 16) “Stuck in a rut…”: The storm was just a popcorn storm (pops up then leaves) so i go back to my field. *2005 National Oceanic and Atmostpheric Administration (Apr. 21) “National Weather Service Glossary”: Popcorn Convection. Slang for showers and thunderstorms that form on a scattered basis with little or no apparent organization, usually during the afternoon in response to diurnal heating. Individual thunderstorms typically are of the type sometimes referred to as air-mass thunderstorms: they are small, short-lived, very rarely severe, and they almost always dissipate near or just after sunset. 2005 [SwtBayb28] @ Indiana AOL Message Boards (Aug. 8) “Michael Jackson Case—Member Managed: Re: halnorbeach”: We had a popcorn storm yesterday that forced us out of the pool. I wanted to stay in but the kids thought that thunder and lightening wasn’t a good thing. 2006 Stephanie Hooper Nashua Telegraph (New Hampshire) (July 22) “Severe storms blast through region, more expected to hit today”: According to National Weather Service meteorologist William Babcock, the storms were part of a line of disturbances commonly called “popcorn storms.” “Because they pop up all over the place,” Babcock said.

Posted 27 Jul 06 | Permalink | Tell a Friend